Bert Bank
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Bertram Bank (September 1, 1914 – June 22, 2009) was an American
Life and career
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Bank was born in
After the war, Bank retired from the Air Force with the rank of Major and returned to Tuscaloosa and took over WTBC as owner and general manager. He then secured the rights to broadcast Alabama Crimson Tide football in 1953 and built a network of affiliates that became the Alabama Football Radio Network.
Bank served as producer of the network until 1985 and held the title of producer emeritus of the AFRN and its successors until his death. He was known for watching games from the broadcast booth up to the 2008 season before his death, being acknowledged by Alabama Radio play by play commentator Eli Gold every broadcast. Bank was also a pioneer in broadcasting basketball, having his station become the first in the state to broadcast a game over the air.
Bank also served as a member of both the Alabama House of Representatives and Alabama Senate. He served two terms in the State House, first being elected in 1966, and one term as a State Senator, being elected in 1974. He chose to forgo a second term in the State Senate to unsuccessfully run for Lieutenant Governor in 1978.
His most famous accomplishments while serving in the Alabama Legislature included the introduction of legislation that made it a felony to burn an American Flag or draft card, making Alabama the first state in the nation to address the issue, as well as legislation requiring the philosophy of patriotism to be taught in Alabama public schools.
Death
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Bank lived in Tuscaloosa until he died on June 22, 2009, aged 94, shortly after being admitted into a local hospital. He was survived by two sons and four grandchildren.
Awards and honors
- Purple Heart
- Bronze Star
- Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award
- National Veterans Award
References
- ^ Rappaport, Ian (June 24, 2009). "Local (and national) legend Bert Bank passes away..." al.com. Retrieved September 19, 2009.
- ^ Benn, Al (January 10, 2005). "Bataan Death March survivor never gave up". Gadsden Times. Retrieved January 11, 2005.[permanent dead link]
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