Title: Director of Frequency Management (Retired)
Company: RCA Corporation
Location: Sun City Center, Florida, United States
John D. Bowker, retired director of frequency management at RCA Corporation, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in broadcasting.
With 35 years of experience in the broadcasting industry, Mr. Bowker has made significant contributions to the development of color television. He served as the director of frequency management at RCA Corporation from 1953 until his retirement in 1986. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in ensuring that stations joining NBC were up-to-date and authorized to transmit color television, a groundbreaking achievement at the time.
Mr. Bowker’s journey in broadcasting began at a young age. At 12, he spent much of his time listening to the radio while recovering from an illness, which sparked his interest in radio stations across the United States and Canada. This passion led him to build a radio station in Middlebury, Vermont, in 1949, while completing undergraduate coursework at Middlebury College. After being hired by RCA in 1953, he was part of a pioneering team tasked with developing color television. His work with the Federal Communications Commission to ensure the accuracy of RCA’s records was pivotal, especially since RCA owned a television station in New York City, NBC National Broadcasting Company.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Bowker has been an active contributor to the broadcasting community. He has written a monthly column for several U.S. radio stations, edited the eNEWS newsletter, and authored a book on the history of Sun City Center published in 2011. He is also a chapter president for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. His work has been featured in Millennium Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. His accomplishments have earned him several accolades, including federal government awards for his contributions to the field.
Following his retirement on March 31, 1986, the last day that RCA was in operation before being purchased by General Electric., Mr. Bowker and his wife traveled to all 48 contiguous states in a motorhome, during which he continued writing his monthly column, eventually settling in New Jersey. He attributes his success to his supportive home life and the inspiration he found in his early experiences with radio broadcasting. Looking ahead, he remains passionate about the industry and continues to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation.
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