About the Collection
The WFAA Newsfilm Collection encompasses 16mm-film news footage originating from the Dallas-based television broadcast station from 1960-1978. Subject matter ranges from election campaigns to city meetings, chili cook-offs to children’s swimming contests, and gun control to civil rights. Political news stories are well represented. The stories cover serious topics such as war and corruption, but many are more whimsical human-interest stories.
Many celebrities made an appearance on Channel 8 News. The clips feature rarely seen interviews with personalities such as George H. W. Bush, Jesse Jackson, Gerald Ford, and entertainer Tiny Tim. John Wayne and Pat Boone attended an event at the Cotton Bowl. Omar Sharif gave an intriguing interview. Mel Torme stopped by to discuss the music industry. Jane Fonda visited to rally support for Vietnam War protests. A young reporter named Bill O’Reilly got his start at WFAA.
Sports footage includes press conferences, practices, and some games. The Texas Rangers moving to Arlington, the original Texas Stadium being built in Irving, and the Dallas Chaparrals moving to San Antonio are covered. Many SMU sporting events received WFAA coverage during these years.
These films capture the people of Dallas living and working as the city grew around them. The stories contribute to the history of Dallas and represent the things that mattered to residents during those two decades.