James Leaders Loper Papers
Abstract
James Leaders. Loper has had a long and distinguished career in broadcasting, particularly in Los Angeles, California where he served as the director of Broadcasting Service Center at California State University from 1960-1962. In 1962, he became deeply involved in the movement to establish a non-commercial television station in Los Angeles. To this end, he acted as vice president of Community Television of Southern California from 1962-1963 and assisted in putting together the license application for what would be KCET. Loper's efforts landed him a position at the newly-licensed station that went on the air in September 1964: he served as assistant to the President of KCET from 1963-1965, and director of Educational Services from 1964-1965. Loper's tenure at KCET showed a continuous climb through the ranks to upper management: assistant general manager from 1965-1966, vice president and general manager from 1966-1969, executive vice president and general manager from 1969-1971, president and general manager from 1971-1976, and lastly, president and chief executive officer from 1976-1982. The collection documents Loper's work as the president and general manager of Los Angeles' public television station, KCET.
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This collection is open for research use.
James Leaders Loper Papers, Special Collections, University of Maryland Libraries.
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Historical Note
James Leaders Loper was born on September 4, 1931 in Phoenix, Arizona. Loper attended Arizona State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1953 in the field of journalism. He remained at ASU after his graduation, serving as the assistant and acting director of the Bureau of Broadcasting from 1953-1959. In this capacity, Loper was instrumental in the activation of KAET, the public television outlet in Tempe, Arizona. During this time, Loper also served as the weekend news editor and announcer for KTAR (Phoenix) and the eight-station Arizona Broadcasting System from 1955-1956. Loper received his Master of Arts in Radio and Television from the University of Denver in 1957. His thesis focused on the groundwork and development of KAET. In 1967, he received his Doctorate in Communications from the University of Southern California. His dissertation discussed speech communication and was entitled, An Experimental Study of Some Effects of time Compression Upon the Comprehension and Retention of a Visually Augmented Televised Speech.
Loper moved to Los Angeles, California where he served as the director of Broadcasting Service Center at California State University from 1960-1962. In 1962, he became deeply involved in the movement to establish a non-commercial television station in Los Angeles. To this end, he acted as vice president of Community Television of Southern California from 1962-1963 and assisted in putting together the license application for what would be KCET. Loper's efforts landed him a position at the newly-licensed station that went on the air in September 1964: he served as assistant to the President of KCET from 1963-1965, and director of Educational Services from 1964-1965. Loper's tenure at KCET showed a continuous climb through the ranks to upper management: assistant general manager from 1965-1966, vice president and general manager from 1966-1969, executive vice president and general manager from 1969-1971, president and general manager from 1971-1976, and lastly, president and chief executive officer from 1976-1982.
Loper's activities have not been confined to work at KCET. He has been highly committed to the mission of broadcasting in general, serving as the Chairman of the Board and director for the Public Broadcasting Service from 1969-1972, as the president of the Western Educational Network from 1968-1970, as member of the California Governor's Educational Television and Radio Advisory Committee from 1968-1974, and as the executive director of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to name a few.
Loper served as the Chairman of the Board of Visitors at the Annenberg School of Communications on the campus of the University of Southern California from 1975-1980, where he also is an adjunct professor of radio and television. Loper has published articles in various professional journals and has contributed to two monographs: ETV: The Farther Vision published in 1967, and Broadcasting and Bargaining: Labor Relations in Radio and Television published in 1970. Loper has been a prominent figure in the Los Angeles' arts scene, holding board positions in the Los Angeles Arts Center, 1968-1972, the Associates of the Otis Art Institute, 1971-1977, and the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera Company, 1974-present. He has also been involved in various civic organizations in the Los Angeles area.
Scope and Contents of the Collection
The James Leaders Loper Papers documents Loper's work as the president and general manager of Los Angeles' public television station, KCET. The documents cover the years 1962 to 1982 and include some undated material, with the bulk of the documents ranging from 1973 to 1982. Significant areas of concentration include development and fundraising for KCET and programming. The types of documents found in the collection include correspondence, news clippings, reports, surveys, speeches and a few photographs.
Custodial History and Acquisition Information
The James Leaders Loper Papers was donated to the National Public Broadcasting Archives, University of Maryland Libraries by James L. Loper in August of 1998.
Processing Information
Processed by Tara R. Hess, November 1999.
EAD markup created using EAD database in Microsoft Access. Markup completed by Karen E. King, October 2004.
Arrangement of Collection
Organized as one series and nine subseries.
-
Series 1: KCET
- Subseries 1.1: Correspondence
- Subseries 1.2: Programming
- Subseries 1.3: The Dial
- Subseries 1.4: Development
- Subseries 1.5: Publicity
- Subseries 1.6: Receptions and Special Events
- Subseries 1.7: Staff / Organization
- Subseries 1.8: James L. Loper: Speeches, Awards, Biographical Articles
- Subseries 1.9: Reports and Surveys
Detailed Description of the Collection
Series 1: KCET, 1962-1984 (7.75 linear feet)
This series contains documents relating to James L. Loper's tenure with KCET (Los Angeles, CA) in his capacity as general manager, vice president and president. Materials include his correspondence, news clippings about KCET, subject files, reports, surveys, speeches and a few photographs.
Subseries 1.1: Correspondence, 1978-1982 (2.50 linear feet)
This subseries contains Loper's outgoing correspondence. For the most part it is arranged chronologically.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 1 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 2 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 3 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 4 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 5 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 6 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 7 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 8 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 9 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 10 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 11 | |
| Chronological File, 1978 | series 1.1 | box 1 | folder 12 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 1 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 2 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 3 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 4 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 5 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 6 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 7 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 8 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 9 | |
| Chronological File, January - October 1979 | series 1.1 | box 2 | folder 10 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 1 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 2 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 3 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 4 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 5 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 6 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 7 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 8 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 9 | |
| Chronological File, November 1979 - August 1980 | series 1.1 | box 3 | folder 10 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 1 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 2 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 3 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 4 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 5 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 6 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 7 | |
| Chronological File, September 1980 - March 1981 | series 1.1 | box 4 | folder 8 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 1 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 2 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 3 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 4 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 5 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 6 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 7 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 8 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 9 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 10 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 11 | |
| Chronological File, April 1981 - March 1982 | series 1.1 | box 5 | folder 12 | |
| Chronological File, April - June 1982 | series 1.1 | box 6 | folder 1 | |
| Chronological File, April - June 1982 | series 1.1 | box 6 | folder 2 | |
| Chronological File, April - June 1982 | series 1.1 | box 6 | folder 3 | |
| FCC General Correspondence, 1980-1981 | series 1.1 | box 6 | folder 4 | |
Subseries 1.2: Programming, 1964-1982 and undated (1.00 linear foot)
This subseries contains documents regarding the programming featured on KCET. Subject files detail the development of programming and sometimes include viewer comments. There is substantial coverage of awards granted to KCET programs, specifically any Emmy Awards. Also included in this subseries are documents relating to the KCET's part in the administration of American Playhouse, Public Broadcast Laboratory, and closed circuit television (Scrambled TV).
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Playhouse, 1980-1982, undated | series 1.2 | box 6 | folder 5 | |
| American Playhouse, 1980-1982, undated | series 1.2 | box 6 | folder 6 | |
| American Playhouse, 1980-1982, undated | series 1.2 | box 6 | folder 7 | |
| American Playhouse -- New York Trip April 15-16, 1981 (Playhouse Governance), 1981, undated | series 1.2 | box 6 | folder 8 | |
| Awards - Emmys, 1967-1982 | series 1.2 | box 6 | folder 9 | |
| Awards - Emmys, 1967-1982 | series 1.2 | box 6 | folder 10 | |
| Awards Miscellaneous, 1969-1982 | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 1 | |
| Awards Miscellaneous, 1969-1982 | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 2 | |
| Awards Miscellaneous, 1969-1982 | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 3 | |
| Bomb -- "Lucia", 1975 | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 4 | |
| Correspondence - Educational Projects, 1980-1981 | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 5 | |
| Cousteau Activity, 1977 | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 6 | |
| Near East, 1974-1975, undated | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 7 | |
| Peace Corps Project, 1964-1965, undated | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 8 | |
| "Public Broadcast Laboratory" (PBL) -- Correspondence, 1967-1969, undated | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 9 | |
| "Public Broadcast Laboratory" (PBL) -- Correspondence, 1967-1969, undated | series 1.2 | box 7 | folder 10 | |
| "Public Broadcast Laboratory" (PBL) -- Publicity, 1967-1969, undated | series 1.2 | box 8 | folder 1 | |
| Public Television Playhouse, 1981, undated | series 1.2 | box 8 | folder 2 | |
| Scrambled TV -- D.A. Series, 1966-1972 | series 1.2 | box 8 | folder 3 | |
| Scrambled TV -- Medical Series (Correspondence), 1965-1973, undated | series 1.2 | box 8 | folder 4 | |
| Scrambled TV -- Medical Series (Correspondence), 1965-1973, undated | series 1.2 | box 8 | folder 5 | |
| Scrambled TV -- Miscellaneous, 1964-1973, undated | series 1.2 | box 8 | folder 6 | |
Subseries 1.3: The Dial, 1979-1982 (0.50 linear foot)
This subseries contain issues of and documents about The Dial, the monthly programming guide for KCET. Actual issues of The Dial range from February 1981 - August 1982. Subject files include: general files which contain documents relating to the foundation and administration of the programming guide, and files which contain primarily correspondence regarding the guide's legal troubles.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981 | series 1.3 | box 8 | folder 7 | |
| The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981 | series 1.3 | box 8 | folder 8 | |
| The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981 | series 1.3 | box 8 | folder 9 | |
| The Dial, January 1981 - December 1981 | series 1.3 | box 8 | folder 10 | |
| The Dial, November 1981 - August 1982 | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 1 | |
| The Dial, November 1981 - August 1982 | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 2 | |
| The Dial, November 1981 - August 1982 | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 3 | |
| The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 4 | |
| The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 5 | |
| The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 6 | |
| The Dial -- General File, 1979-1982, undated | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 7 | |
| The Dial -- Legal, 1980-1981 | series 1.3 | box 9 | folder 8 | |
| The Dial -- Legal, 1980-1981 | series 1.3 | box 10 | folder 1 | |
| The Dial -- Letter Agreement, 1979, 1980-1981 | series 1.3 | box 10 | folder 2 | |
Subseries 1.4: Development, 1963-1974 (1.00 linear foot)
This large subseries contains issues relating to the funding and development of KCET. Subject files include general fundraising, fundraising events, capital campaigns, grants, major gifts and subscriber contributions. Extensive coverage is given to correspondence between KCET and the Ford Foundation which details the grant process.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Pops Gala Benefit, September 1975, 1974-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 3 | |
| Boston Pops Gala Benefit, September 1975, 1974-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 4 | |
| Development -- Capital Campaign, 1973-1981, nd | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 5 | |
| Development -- Capital Campaign, 1973-1981, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 6 | |
| Development -- Capital Campaign, 1973-1981, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 7 | |
| Development -- CBS Membership Grant, 1974-1977, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 8 | |
| Development -- Development Committee (old), 1964-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 9 | |
| Development -- Development Committee (old), 1964-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 10 | folder 10 | |
| Development -- Development Committee (old), 1964-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 1 | |
| Development -- Contributions, 1974-1982, undated | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 2 | |
| Development -- Contributions, 1974-1982, undated | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 3 | |
| Development -- Correspondence, 1981-1982 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 4 | |
| Development -- Deferred Gifts Program, 1979 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 5 | |
| Development -- "Emergency Appeal", October 1980, 1980-1981, undated | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 6 | |
| Development -- KCET Associates, 1979-1982 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 7 | |
| Development -- Major Gifts, 1973-1981, undated | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 8 | |
| Development -- McCann-Erickson, Inc. Ad Campaign, September 1979, undated | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 9 | |
| Development -- On-Air Pledge Activities, 1979-1982 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 10 | |
| Development -- President's Fund for Program Development, December 1980 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 11 | |
| Development -- Program Development Fund, 1980 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 12 | |
| Development -- Subscriber Survey, 1979-1980 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 13 | |
| Development -- Subscribers' General Correspondence, 1980-1982 | series 1.4 | box 11 | folder 14 | |
| Development -- Walter Annenberg Correspondence, 1976-1982 | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 1 | |
| Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972 | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 2 | |
| Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972 | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 3 | |
| Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972 | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 4 | |
| Ford/KCET Correspondence, 1963-1972 | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 5 | |
| Fundraising, 1964-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 6 | |
| Fundraising, 1964-1976, undated | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 7 | |
| Trust Officers' Dinner, 1976-1978 | series 1.4 | box 12 | folder 8 | |
Subseries 1.5: Publicity, 1964-1981 and undated (0.75 linear foot)
This subseries contains articles, news clippings and publicity essays regarding both KCET and Public Broadcasting in general. "Top O' The News" files consist of news clippings about KCET that were compiled on a weekly basis from May - June 1981.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KCET Articles, 1966, 1975-1978 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 1 | |
| KCET Publicity Essays and Memos, 1964-1978, undated | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 2 | |
| Press Release re: Weekend Broadcasting, September 1965 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 3 | |
| Public Broadcasting/KCET Articles, 1973-1978, undated | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 4 | |
| Publicity News clippings and Correspondence, January - July 1982, undated | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 5 | |
| "Top O'The News", May - September 1980 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 6 | |
| "Top O'The News", May - September 1980 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 7 | |
| "Top O'The News", May - September 1980 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 8 | |
| "Top O'The News", May - September 1980 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 9 | |
| "Top O'The News", May - September 1980 | series 1.5 | box 13 | folder 10 | |
| "Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981 | series 1.5 | box 14 | folder 1 | |
| "Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981 | series 1.5 | box 14 | folder 2 | |
| "Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981 | series 1.5 | box 14 | folder 3 | |
| "Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981 | series 1.5 | box 14 | folder 4 | |
| "Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981 | series 1.5 | box 14 | folder 5 | |
| "Top O'The News", October 1980 - June 1981 | series 1.5 | box 14 | folder 6 | |
Subseries 1.6: Receptions and Special Events, 1964-1971 (4 folders)
This subseries contains correspondence, news clippings and general information relating to the special events surrounding KCET's dedication, birthday and new studios. Documents detail the planning and reception of the various events.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birthday Week, 1966 | series 1.6 | box 14 | folder 7 | |
| Dedication Week, January 1965, 1964-1965 | series 1.6 | box 14 | folder 8 | |
| Sunset Drive - New Studios (Salute to PTV Week), 1971 | series 1.6 | box 14 | folder 9 | |
| Sunset Drive - New Studios (Salute to PTV Week), 1971 | series 1.6 | box 15 | folder 1 | |
Subseries 1.7: Staff/Organization, 1965-1984 and undated (0.50 linear foot)
This subseries contains documents pertaining to the staff and organization of KCET. Issues of three different staff newsletters are included, as are general staff memos. Documents relating to the mission and organizational structure of KCET are found here as well.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunn Report, 1979, undated | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 2 | |
| Inside KCET, July 1969 - July 1970 | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 3 | |
| Inside 28 Staff Newsletter and Memos, 1965-1968 | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 4 | |
| KCET Tenth Birthday, 1974 | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 5 | |
| The K-Setter, 1973-1975, 1977, 1984 | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 6 | |
| MDS Frequencies, 1979, undated | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 7 | |
| Organizational Charts, 1965, 1969, 1973, nd | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 8 | |
| Photo - Theodore Untiedt, KCET Director of Engineering, undated | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 9 | |
| Reorganization of Station, 1974-1977, undated | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 10 | |
| Royal Heritage Invitation List, undated | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 11 | |
| Staff Memos - General, 1966-1974 | series 1.7 | box 15 | folder 12 | |
Subseries 1.8: James L. Loper: Speeches, Awards, Biographical Articles, 1962-1982 and undated (4 folders)
This subseries contains news clippings, articles, awards and correspondence regarding James L. Loper as General Manager of KCET.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles, Publicity, Misc., 1964-1977, undated | series 1.8 | box 15 | folder 13 | |
| Articles, Publicity, Misc., 1964-1977, undated | series 1.8 | box 15 | folder 14 | |
| Correspondence, 1962-1975 | series 1.8 | box 16 | folder 1 | |
| Resumes and Awards History, 1975-1982, undated | series 1.8 | box 16 | folder 2 | |
Subseries 1.9: Reports and Surveys, 1966-1982 (4 folders)
This subseries contains reports and surveys produced by or for KCET. These documents include financial statements, management reports, a report on educational television in California, and a household viewer survey conducted by KCET.
| Description | Series | Box / Reel | Folder / Frame | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Television of Southern California Financial Statements, 1974-1975, 1978-1981 | series 1.9 | box 16 | folder 3 | |
| Educational Television for California, 1966 | series 1.9 | box 16 | folder 4 | |
| KCET Household Viewer Survey, 1979 | series 1.9 | box 16 | folder 5 | |
| KCET Management Report, 1982 | series 1.9 | box 16 | folder 6 | |
Related Material
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Selected Search Terms
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Subjects
- KCET (Television station : Los Angeles, Calif.)
- Loper, James Leaders, 1931- -- Archives.
- Public radio -- United States -- California -- History -- Sources.