'Man behind the curtain" retires after 47 years at KOAM

(From KOAM)

He has been referred to as “the man behind the curtain” at KOAM-TV. Viewers rarely saw Dale Switzer on their television screen, however, his creativity and voice have been regular fixtures during the broadcast day for over 47 years. Switzer has played a significant role in the image, professionalism, and inner workings of KOAM. Switzer retired December 30, 2022.

Brook Arnold, Vice-President/General Manager of KOAM, said his positive impact is unmistakable. “When I arrived at KOAM in 2021, I quickly learned to appreciate and lean on Dale and his creative talents. He was a respected part of our team, and an important member of our KOAM family. He will be greatly missed.”

   

Switzer began his career in 1975 as a staff artist sketching local ads for the TV Guide. But that was only the beginning. 

As his broadcast career unfolded at KOAM, he would excel in every capacity. Including voiceover talent, on-air weatherman and newscaster, commercial producer and editor, videographer, graphic design artist, Production Director, and technical director for newscasts and local programs. 

Most recently he served as Creative Services Director, overseeing and developing the promotional image of KOAM, special commercial projects and documentaries. Switzer has received numerous local, state, and national awards for his productions, riveling the work produced in much larger television markets. In 2015, he was inducted into the Missouri Southern State University’s Pioneer of Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

“Dale might be the most creative person I’ve ever known,” remarked KOAM News Anchor/Executive Producer Dowe Quick who worked with Switzer for 42 years. “It seemed to me there’s nothing Dale can’t do. I’ve been fortunate to work with him on a number of special projects over the years and I’ve learned that the more freedom Dale has to express his own vision – the better the result. Dale can take the smallest germ of an idea, then nurture it, expand it and develop it into something better than what seemed possible. Dale makes everything he touches, better” said Quick.