ICCTA Distinguished Alumnus Award

2011 Recipient
Larry Blackerby
Vice president / General manager
WRTV
Lake Land College (1968)


Larry Blackerby grew up in a small central Illinois community with a graduating class of 41 students. He was the first in his family to finish college -- and Lake Land College was there to start him on an Emmy Award-winning 35-year career in broadcast journalism.

"I love my industry and that love affair started in the classrooms at Lake Land," he says. "The instruction and practical experience I received allowed me to get my first professional broadcasting job during my second year at Lake Land."


Larry Blackerby accepts ICCTA's 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Larry Blackerby accepts ICCTA's 2011 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Blackerby has made it a priority to become involved in his community. As general manager of KPRC-Houston, the fourth largest television market in the United States, he turned low ratings and struggling morale into "Your Education Station," giving a voice to parents, teachers, and school board members.

He also encouraged and promoted an integrated fundraising campaign involving 10 area non-profit groups, including Big Brother Big Sister, the Houston Food Bank, and the Children's Museum of Houston.

Now that he is back in the Midwest, Larry has renewed his ties to his alma mater. He and his wife plan to create a scholarship for Lake Land students pursuing a degree in radio/TV broadcasting.


For additional information on ICCTA's Distinguished Alumnus Award, please contactKim Villanuevaat 217-528-2858, ext. 1.