Joe Langston (1932) was born in Tuscaloosa county. He began his broadcasting career in 1950 while a student at the University of Alabama. He graduated from the University in 1954. Following graduation, he joined the Army and served two years in Special Warfare at Fort Bragg, NC. He was a Radio Broadcast and Propaganda Officer in Psychological Warfare. After his discharge, Joe returned to Tuscaloosa as Station Manager of WNPT.

Joe joined the staff of WBRC-TV in Birmingham in 1963. He was initially a Reporter-Anchor and in 1969, was named Director of News and Editorial Policy. While in television he received every major award from the Associated Press and United Press International Broadcasters Associations. Langston had the highest rated local news program in the United States several times.

In 1987, Joe retired from WBRC to accept an endowed Chair in the Department of Communication at Jacksonville State University. He retired from his post as Chairman of the Department in 1998.

Mr. Langston was named outstanding alumnus of the University of Alabama College of Communication in 1982. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the University in 1988. For over 35 years, Langston produced thousands of newscasts, editorials and documentaries for radio and television.

October 17th is “Joe Leonard Langston” day in the city of Northport, Alabama. He and his wife Margaret (Lollar) have two children and three grandchildren. Joe and Margaret reside in Mountain Brook, AL.

Accomplishments:

President, Alabama Associated Press Broadcasters Association, 1971-72

Board of Directors, Alabama Associated Press Broadcasters Association, 1973-74

Board of Directors, Birmingham Press Club, 1974-75

Board of Directors, University of Alabama School of Communication Alumni Association

President, University of Alabama School of Communication Alumni Association

Civil Service:

Exchange Club, Tuscaloosa, AL, 1956-63

Junior Chamber of Commerce, Tuscaloosa, AL, 1962-63

Board of Directors, Tuscaloosa County Library, 1962-63

Tuscaloosa County Tuberculosis Association, 1961

Board of Directors, Tuberculosis Association, 1962

President, Tuberculosis Association, 1963

Rotary Club, 1965-69

Lifetime member of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Boys and Girls Ranches

Builders Club, 1970 to present

Nominated Birmingham Man of the Year by the Charity League, 1972

Board of Directors, Alabama Arthritis Foundation, 1972-86

Board of Directors, Alabama Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1986-87

Deacon and Publicity Chairman at Mountain Brook Baptist Church, 1990 to present