KCOY founder gets inducted into Cal Poly’s Journalism Hall of Fame
The late Ed J. Zuchelli, one of the founding fathers of KCOY news station, was inducted into the Journalism Department Mustang Media Hall of Fame at Cal Poly University.
Zuchelli is a World War II veteran and broadcaster who served on the city council in Santa Maria. He was instrumental in securing the license for KCOY’s television station.
KCOY’s cameraman, Ed Zuchelli, followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and chose a career in broadcast. He received the award on his grandfather’s behalf.
“I think a big thing is that he was trying to serve the community in whatever way he could. Whether it was through the city council, KCPR-FM, or working at KCOY, he just wanted to help people,” said young Zuchelli.
Zuchelli was honored because of his work leading KCPR-FM to a 24-hour news and music radio broadcast. KCPR-FM is the university’s own radio station and is also celebrating its 50th anniversary. Zuchelli was known as a lifelong sports enthusiast and as being the voice of Cal Poly football and basketball broadcast in the 1970’s.
The university also inducted advancement professional Susan Houghton, political consultant and KCRA-TV analyst Kevin Riggs, and music industry executive Bruce Flohr.
“My first chapter starts with KCPR, so for me to come back and be part of a hall of fame, its a nice full circle moment,” said Flohr.
The Journalism Department Mustang Media Hall of Fame was established in 2016 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the student media organizations in the journalism department.
