Francis Van Konynenburg (“Mr. Van”) helped pioneer television in the Twin Cities establishing Channel 4 as WTCN-TV on July 1, 1949. In August, 1952, WTCN purchased WCCO Radio and the call letters were expanded to cover both radio and television. Van Konynenburg was named executive vice president of WCCO Radio and Television, a position he held until his retirement in 1976. Under his leadership, WCCO grew into a radio and television powerhouse – leaders in the industry throughout the nation. A hands-on manager, Mr. Van was known for getting out from behind the desk to get the job done, turning up in the newsroom, in engineering or on the set. He was adamant about opportunity for all, winning the Gold Knob award from the Minneapolis Downtown Council in 1962 for opening the most doors to working women in the previous year. Long active in civic affairs, Mr. Van served as Director of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Governor’s Special Minnesota Development Committee and a member of the executive committee of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was active in the Minneapolis Human Relations Commission and the Minneapolis Society for Crippled Children and Adults, now known as Courage Center.