Bob Hower
OAB Hall of Fame
Inducted 2001

“Good evening all, let's look at the news.”  Those words spoken by Bob Hower in 1949 opened the first television newscast in Tulsa. Simple and straightforward, they epitomized the relaxed, conversational and humanistic style that Hower brought to his television news audience.

Bob Howard 37-year broadcasting career began at KTUL radio and took him to KOTV, Tulsa; KFMB-TV  in San Diego for 14 years; WBKB-TV (now WLS-TV) in Chicago and ultimately to KTUL-TV in Tulsa in 1969. As the host of a dance show at KFMB, a feature some of the top artists of the time including the Beatles, Neil Diamond, and The Mamas & the Papas.  Hower joined KTUL as the operations director, then was moved to news anchor one year later. Over the next 16 years, Bob Hower became one of Northeastern Oklahoma’s most beloved news anchors.

Following the untimely death of his daughter in 1980, Bob originated the award-winning Waiting Child feature. As the host of the weekly series, he was credited with helping a place 406 special needs children in permanent homes. His humanitarian efforts have been recognized by local, state, and national organizations including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bob Howard considered Waiting Child the crowning achievement of his illustrious career.

A Tulsa native, Bob's popularity, devotion to, and love for his community were recognized in 1997 when he was voted Tulsa’s Centennial Celebration Homecoming King.

Whether delivering the news, or telling the story of a special child, Bob Hower brought to television a warmth and style that built a lifelong relationship with his audience