This Columbia broadcasting legend was honored for decades of service
The Columbia icon known for many things, including his deep, positive voice, was speechless Tuesday night.
That’s because Joe Pinner was “honored” by the recognition he received, coladaily.com reported. The longtime WIS newsman received the key to the city of West Columbia at a County Council meeting.
Pinner was presented the key by West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton. Pinner is West Columbia resident, where he lives with his wife Peggy in a retirement community, called Laurel Crest, that overlooks the Congaree River.
He was accompanied to the West Columbia County Council meeting by his son Gregg, his wife Paula, and Pinner’s grandsons.
“Joe Pinner has been serving the West Columbia community in a variety of ways for more than fifty years,” read the resolution honoring Pinner. “He has gone above and beyond his civic duty to promote, improve, and serve our community and state.”
Horton said this specific honor is rare, but Pinner was deserving for his enduring service to the city, coladaily.com reported.
Pinner started working at WIS in 1963, and was a mainstay in a number of on-air capacities until his semi-retirement in 2000. He will still make occasional appearances on air.
He grew up in New Bern, N.C., and started working in radio at the age of 15.
“WMBC out of Morehead City! I haven’t stopped talking since,” Pinner told The State in 2016.
In May, 1963, Pinner got a call from John Wrisley at WIS-TV in Columbia.
“Wrisley wanted me to do TV and I said, ‘But John, I’ve always loved radio.’ John said, ‘Well Joe, there’s an opening in TV and if you get it, we’ll work you into radio.’ ”
And a community legend was born.
In 37 years at WIS, Pinner served as anchor of The 7:00 Report, weatherman for WIS Live at 5, co-host of WIS News Midday, and host of The Mr. Knozit Show. He has also been a staple events big and small, including the South Carolina State Fair and Okra Strut.
Additionally, Pinner gained the reputation of a good guy, and dedicated pitchman. He has promoted events and products with an earnest positive attitude for decades, and still can be seen endorsing things on TV.
Chief among them, Bath Fitter. Pinner has appeared in ads riding around in a bathtub on wheels, and might be as well known for those ads to a younger generation as to those who got their news and good news from Pinner for decades.
“It’s been the most incredible journey,” Pinner told The State in 2016.
Salley McInerney contributed to this report.
Resolution to Award Joe Pinner a Key to the City
WHEREAS, Joe Pinner is currently employed on a part-time basis by WIS TV. Before his semi-retirement in 2000, he was the anchor and host for a variety of TV shows including the Mr. Knozit Show which ran for 37 years. He serves as a board member on the weatherboards, the Voice of AGAPE, Statewide Integrated Services for Senior Citizens, South Carolina Safe Kids, and Blythewood Cultural Arts Association. He also acts as a narrator and Master of Ceremonies for many events, and is an ambassador of Honor Flight SC. He is a member of the Media Club, Some Legendary Old Broadcasters (SLOBS), Greater Columbia Community Relations Luncheon Club, and Friday the 13th Club. Mr. Pinner is a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood and sang in the choir for many years; and
WHEREAS, Joe Pinner began his career in broadcasting at radio stations in New Bern and Morehead City, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of North Carolina and also worked at Chapel Hill radio station WCHL. In 1955, Joe Pinner joined WMBR-TV/Radio (now WJXT-TV) in Jacksonville, Florida. He entered the Army for two years. During his service, he was stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, where he managed the Armed Forces Radio station WFJX. After leaving the Army, he returned to Jacksonville until 1963 when he joined WIS TV in Columbia; and
WHEREAS, Joe Pinner has received national awards and been honored by state organizations throughout his career. These awards and honors include the National George Peabody Award, South Carolina Tourism Awards, the Columbia Music Festival Association’s “Lyre Award”, the 1986 Columbia College Medallion, 1988 Columbia Advertising Club Person Of The Year, Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Award, the Department of the Army Commanders Award for Public Service, Toastmasters International District 58 Communications and Leadership Award, Masters Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Palmetto Society of the United Way of the Midlands, Kirkman Finlay Cultural Council Award, Beach Music Association International South Carolina Media Award, and the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. Also, Joe Pinner received three Order of the Palmetto Awards from Governor Richard Riley, Governor Carroll Campbell and Governor Jim Hodges; and
WHEREAS, Joe Pinner has been serving the West Columbia community in a variety of ways for more than fifty years. He has gone above and beyond his civic duty to promote, improve, and serve our community and state; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of West Columbia, South Carolina hereby express sincere appreciation for his service and dedication to the City of West Columbia by awarding him a Key to the City. Adopted by the Council of the City of West Columbia, SC this 9th day of January 2018.
This story was originally published January 9, 2018 at 9:32 PM with the headline "This Columbia broadcasting legend was honored for decades of service."