The U.S.broadcast industry has lost a champion, inspiration and friend. We report, with sadness, that Ann Arnold, President of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, passed away on September 1. After an initial career in journalism (which included a stint as Press Secretary to the Governor of Texas), she took over the reins of the TAB in 1987 and the rest is history. (The TAB has provided a detailed review of Ann’s career at its website.) For a quarter of a century as TAB President, Ann was an indefatigable advocate for broadcasters (and journalists) at the state and national levels. Her tireless efforts are all the more impressive in light of the fact that, throughout her tenure with the TAB, she was battling leukemia which had been diagnosed shortly before she signed on with the TAB.
She brought a daunting combination of intellect, experience, energy and commitment to everything she did. Informed, incisive, insistent – and, yes, inspirational – Ann was a force to be reckoned with. And her considerable powers of persuasion were invariably applied with genuine grace, charm and good humor. It was always a treat to deal with Ann.
We at FHH happily counted Ann as a friend. We will miss her. We extend our deepest condolences to her family.
