Charles H. “Charlie” Upton was a Colorado Springs broadcast engineer whose work at KRDO spanned radio, television and the transition to digital broadcasting.
Upton moved to Colorado Springs in 1950 as an engineer at KRDO Radio. The Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado records that he became chief engineer in 1960 and worked across KRDO AM, FM and TV, as well as stations in Grand Junction. His projects included building KRDO-FM, creating a microwave link between KRDO-TV and Denver’s KBTV, and modernizing transmission and production systems. A 1969 Broadcasting Yearbook lists him as KRDO’s chief engineer.
Upton died on May 6, 2019, at age 89. His obituary noted that he had worked as an engineer at KRDO for 54 years.
Colorado stations: KRDO, KRDO-FM and KRDO-TV in Colorado Springs; KJCT-TV in Grand Junction.
Documented role: Engineer and chief engineer, KRDO.
Sources
- Broadcast Pioneers of Colorado, 2004 Hall of Fame biography — career chronology and engineering projects.
- Broadcasting Yearbook, 1969 — KRDO chief-engineer listing.
- The Gazette, May 12, 2019 — obituary and 54-year KRDO career note.
Awards & Recognitions
Documented awards, honors, and finalist or nomination recognition associated with this station or broadcaster.
- 2004InductedBroadcast Pioneers of ColoradoHall of FameCharles UptonBroadcast Pioneers of Colorado
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