Logo

TVNewsCheck

Engineer Dies During ‘Routine’ Inspection of Station’s Broadcast Tower

Oct 23, 2015  •  Post A Comment

A tower inspection that is being described as “routine” turned deadly Wednesday when tower specialist Ernie Jones, 65, was killed in an accident, TVNewsCheck reports.

Jones, an industry veteran and one of the mainstays of Indiana-based Consolidated Engineering Inc., was conducting an inspection of Oklahoma City station KOCO-TV’s broadcast tower.

“Few details about the incident are available,” the story reports. “Brent Hensley, president and general manager of the Hearst Television ABC affiliate, said the inspection was routine.”

Hensley added: “Obviously, we are saddened by his death and our thought and prayers go out to Ernie’s family, friends and the people who knew him well, including our Hearst family.”

The report notes: “Jones’ business associate David Davies said he had worked with Jones for 52 years at various companies. Incorporated in 1990, CEI has provided engineering analysis, tower renovation and other services for a variety of broadcasters, including Hearst, CBS, Citadel Broadcasting, Clear Channel Communications and Kentucky Educational Television.”

Jones was a key player in the development of standards pertaining to broadcast towers, and had been a member of the TR14.7 Committee of the Telecommunications Industry Association and Electronics Industry Association since 1986. The CEI website notes that he was responsible for developing the ANS/TIA-1019, 2004 Gin Pole Standard.

ernie jonesErnie Jones

One Comment

  1. It’s a sad day for all of broadcasting.

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)