PORTLAND, Maine — A former general manager for NEWS CENTER Maine, at the time called WCSH-TV, who was known for overseeing many of the changes that makes the station what it is today, has died.
Former News Director Jeff Marks told NEWS CENTER Maine Lew Colby of Wilton died Wednesday night at 89 years old. Marks had known Colby for 40 years.
Colby wore many hats over the years—starting as a weathercaster, then transitioning to promotions manager, production manager, station manager, and finally general manager. He created the station's STORM CENTER brand, and in doing so, created on-air closings and delays, which previously had been left to radio stations. He also pioneered "6 Alive," a successful campaign and identity for the station.
Colby and former WCSH Vice President Bruce McGorrill also made themselves accessible to viewers with "Feedback," a monthly program in which viewers would call with questions and complaints—which could sometimes prove to be quite entertaining.
The pair also took the heat for pre-empting NBC Sports broadcasts on weekends to ensure that the evening newscasts would always air. Weekend newscasts rose to No. 1, and weeknights followed as people developed the "News Center 6" habit.
Despite many changes, Colby was part of the leadership that resisted calls to build a new, modern facility in a business park somewhere. He insisted that the station belonged in downtown Portland.
His commitment as leader to the communities that the station served included long-running public service projects, including the Sidewalk Art Festival every August for roughly 40 years, The World’s Largest Garage Sale—a place for nonprofits to sell their wares, and in Lewiston-Auburn with the Maine State Parade.