Preserving the Legacy of a Trailblazing Broadcast Journalist
Marilyn F. (Dillard) Solomon was a pioneer in local commercial television broadcasting, producing weekly prime-time current affairs news analysis programs and long-form documentaries on critical issues. Her archives, now part of the UC Santa Barbara Library's Film & Television Collection, offer significant research potential and preserve the historic record of Southern California media.Uncovering the Untold Stories of Southern California
A Visionary Approach to Local Television
Marilyn F. (Dillard) Solomon was a trailblazer in the world of local television broadcasting. Hired by KCOP-TV in 1969, she dedicated her career to producing programs that highlighted civic and governmental affairs, international events, and multiracial relations. Her commitment to activism and social justice shaped her approach to storytelling, as she recognized the power of local issues to have national implications.One of Solomon's most groundbreaking achievements was the creation of "My Turn," the first weekly program addressing gay and lesbian issues in Southern California. This program not only provided a platform for underrepresented voices but also challenged the status quo, paving the way for greater representation and understanding in the media landscape.
Preserving the Historic Record of Southern California Media
Solomon's archives, now part of the UC Santa Barbara Library's Film & Television Collection, offer a unique and invaluable resource for scholars and researchers. As Laura Treat Liebhaber, the UCSB Library's film and television curator, explains, "Marilyn's archives are an incredible addition to our collection because she was a pioneer in telling the stories of underrepresented communities on television."The significance of Solomon's archives lies in their rarity. Most television stations during that era did not preserve their materials, making it challenging to access and study the historic record of local media. Liebhaber emphasizes that "Marilyn's collection represents an important voice in the historic record of Southern California media and her archives hold significant research potential for scholars across various disciplines."
Honoring a Legacy of Activism and Storytelling
Marilyn F. (Dillard) Solomon's commitment to activism and her dedication to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities were the driving forces behind her illustrious career. Raised in Detroit by activist parents Ernest C. and Jessie M. Dillard, Solomon's passion for social justice and her desire to bridge understanding through storytelling were evident in her work.Solomon's efforts were widely recognized, earning her numerous accolades, including the Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia University Silver Baton for Excellence in Television Journalism and the International Documentary Association CINDY Award. These honors serve as a testament to her impact and the lasting legacy she has left behind.In reflecting on the inclusion of her archives in the UCSB Library's collection, Solomon expressed her deep satisfaction, stating, "For 25 years, I was blessed with the opportunity to provide a series of video bridges, connections toward understanding and appreciation. Now, thanks to UCSB Library, some of the history of this unique American region is preserved."The preservation of Marilyn F. (Dillard) Solomon's archives ensures that her pioneering work and the untold stories she brought to light will continue to be accessible to scholars, researchers, and the public, serving as a testament to her enduring impact on the media landscape of Southern California.
