The Accidental Critic

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The Accidental Critic recalls the "Happy Talk" days of local television news, when stations discovered the value of assembling a news "team." Longtime television personality Arch Campbell participated in the creation of one of America's most successful on-air collaborations at WRC-TV, Washington, D.C. The combination of Jim Vance, Doreen Gentzler, George Michael, and Bob Ryan, with comic relief from Arch, created a family. The days before technology and round the clock "Breaking News" left time for fun, mischief, and genuine friendship.   The Washington Post describes Arch Campbell as a "local legend" and "iconic broadcaster." His career as an entertainment reporter and movie reviewer began in 1973, when his boss charged into the newsroom and yelled, "I want a movie reviewer. Who wants to do it?" Arch raised his hand and has reported on entertainment ever since. Arch has received eight Emmy awards, the Washington, D.C. Mayor's Arts Award, and The Ed Walker Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Capitol Radio and Television Museum. Washingtonian Magazine selected him as a Washingtonian of the Year. Show more