HR1165 LRB094 20232 HSS 58133 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, This Illinois House of Representatives has
3 learned that veteran television newsman Dick Kay has announced
4 his plans to retire from WMAQ-TV after a 46-year career in
5 broadcasting; and
 
6     WHEREAS, This legendary career began where so many other
7 good Illinois activities occur - in Peoria, Illinois; and
 
8     WHEREAS, As a native of Delrose, Tennessee, Dick Kay made a
9 stop in Green Bay before settling in at Chicago's NBC affiliate
10 in 1968, and as a first assignment, he was sent as a
11 writer/producer to cover a gathering of national Democratic
12 Party leaders on the city's Southwest Side; and
 
13     WHEREAS, During his distinguished career, he was the
14 recipient of 11 Emmys, the Jacob Scher Award, the National
15 Headliner Award, and honors from the Associated Press Chicago
16 Headline Club, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the
17 Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans; and
 
18     WHEREAS, Dick Kay's academic career was highlighted by
19 being named a Distinguished Alumnus by Bradley University, but
20 included dropping out of high school and earning a GED
21 certificate while serving in the U.S. Navy; and
 
22     WHEREAS, Many members of the legislature and the other
23 branches of State government enjoyed being part of Dick Kay's
24 long running "City Desk" to discuss public issues and politics;
25 and
 
26     WHEREAS, Dick Kay may be best remembered by lawmakers for
27 his examination of the study commissions, the elimination of
28 more than two dozen panels, and the awarding of the prestigious
29 George Foster Peabody Medallion, the highest national

 

 

HR1165 - 2 - LRB094 20232 HSS 58133 r

1 broadcasting award in 1985; and
 
2     WHEREAS, Dick Kay's career has also included extensive
3 service as the president of the American Federation of
4 Television Artists and at least one legislative battle that led
5 to an outlawing of non-compete clauses in talent contracts over
6 a gubernatorial veto; and
 
7     WHEREAS, Dick Kay, who answers to the nickname "Doogie" and
8 found time to develop a number of hobbies, including a passion
9 for sailing, now insists he wants to stop and smell roses; so
10 taking him at his word; therefore, be it
 
11     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
12 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
13 Dick Kay be saluted for his distinguished career and for his
14 efforts to help the people of Illinois become better informed
15 about public policy and the role of government in our lives;
16 and be it further
 
17     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
18 presented to him as an expression of our respect and esteem.