KATV Chairman Dale Nicholson Dies At 74

Details are limited, but KATV Ch. 7 chairman and former general manager Dale Nicholson died at his home in Little Rock Saturday night, according to the television station.

He was 74 years old. The cause of his death was not disclosed.

Nicholson began his broadcasting career in El Dorado in 1960 and came to Channel 7 in 1962. He served as president and general manager from 1974 until 2009.

A larger-than-life personality, Nicholson helped shape the face and industry of television in Arkansas.

Channel 7’s web site has a brief memorial to him and promises more coverage in its 10 pm newscast.

Doug Krile, a veteran broadcaster and director of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, said Nicholson was one-of-a-kind and a great pioneer for the industry.

“Dale was one of the great ones. He knew what it took to have a great team,” said Krile. “And he also taught others how to lead. There were few like Dale.”