Sarkes Tarzian was an Ottoman-born American engineer, inventor, and broadcaster.
16 Facts About Sarkes Tarzian
1.
2.
Sarkes Tarzian was ethnic Armenian born in the Ottoman Empire.
3.
Sarkes Tarzian founded the manufacturing company Sarkes Tarzian Enterprises in 1944, and was involved in early experiments in VHF audio broadcasting in 1946.
4.
Sarkes Tarzian used the station to provide programming to the local community, including Indiana University and Bloomington High School Football games, special events, and live band music from local high schools.
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In 1949 he started television station WTTV in Bloomington, which at various times under Sarkes Tarzian ownership operated as a DuMont, NBC and ABC affiliate and as an independent station.
6.
In 1957, Sarkes Tarzian founded WPTA, serving Fort Wayne, Indiana, taking an affiliation with ABC; in 1973, the station was sold to Combined Communications for $3.6 million.
7.
In 1959, Sarkes Tarzian purchased dark WFAM-TV, channel 59, in Lafayette, Indiana from its owner, Henry Rosenthal.
8.
Sarkes Tarzian was able to get FCC approval to move the station to channel 18, which Rosenthal had been attempting since his purchase of the station in 1957.
9.
In 1980, Sarkes Tarzian bought television station KTVN in Reno, Nevada from Washoe Empire for $12.5 million.
10.
In 1982, Sarkes Tarzian bought television station WRCB in Chattanooga, Tennessee from Ziff Davis.
11.
The Sarkes Tarzian company was an important manufacturer of radio and television equipment, television tuners, and components.
12.
Sarkes Tarzian manufactured studio color TV cameras in the mid-1960s.
13.
Sarkes Tarzian was married to Mary Mangigian Sarkes Tarzian; they had two children.
14.
Lake Sarkes Tarzian located within the Hoosier National Forest is named after him.
15.
Lake Sarkes Tarzian is named after Sarkes Tarzian who led the capital campaign to build the camp.
16.
Currently Sarkes Tarzian Inc owns two television stations, 4 FM radio stations, and one AM radio station.