Harry Chapman Inducted Into Emmys Gold Circle

The Mid-South Emmy chapter honored the longtime Nashville broadcaster for 50 years in broadcasting.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Awards

Empty mid-century television studio with a wooden riser, bare curved backdrop, and a vintage camera pedestal under warm tungsten light. — Nashville broadcaster Harry Chapman was inducted into the Mid-South Emmy chapter's Gold Circle on October 15, 2026, recognizing his 50 years in broadcasting. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Mid-South Emmy chapter inducted Harry Chapman into its Gold Circle at a ceremony on October 15, 2026. The Gold Circle recognizes 50 years in broadcasting, and Oprah Winfrey gave a video tribute to Chapman.

Why it matters

The honor recognizes a long career in Nashville television, including 35 years at NewsChannel 5 and years on the local talk program 'Talk of the Town.' Chapman is the third person from the Emmys Midsouth region inducted into the Gold Circle.

The Gold Circle recognizes 50 years in broadcasting, and Chapman's tenure at NewsChannel 5 lasted 35 years, beginning in 1971. The source does not detail whether other honorees will be announced this year.

The players

Harry Chapman

A longtime Nashville broadcaster who spent 35 years at NewsChannel 5 and hosted 'Talk of the Town.'

Oprah Winfrey

A media figure who anchored alongside Chapman in 1974 and gave a video tribute at the induction.

NewsChannel 5 (WTVF)

The Nashville television station where Chapman worked for 35 years.

The details

Chapman first joined NewsChannel 5 in 1971 and began anchoring alongside Oprah Winfrey in 1974, when she was 19 years old. He joined 'Talk of the Town' in 1985 and retired as its host in 2006. Hope Hines, a Channel 5 sportscaster, arranged the audition that led to his weekend anchor role, and the ceremony included a video of his broadcast clips.

1971: Chapman first joins NewsChannel 5.
1974: Chapman begins anchoring with Oprah Winfrey.
1985: Chapman joins 'Talk of the Town.'
2006: Chapman retires as host of 'Talk of the Town.'
October 15, 2026: Gold Circle induction ceremony held.

Season Trajectory

The Gold Circle honors long-tenured broadcasters, and Chapman joins Bob Mueller and William Friday as the third inductee from the Emmys Midsouth region. His induction places a Nashville career alongside those honorees in the chapter's history.

Viewers who followed Chapman's work on NewsChannel 5 or 'Talk of the Town' can revisit his broadcast history through the video clips shown at the ceremony. The extraction does not indicate where those clips will be available.

The takeaway

Chapman's induction recognizes five decades of broadcasting in the Nashville market and links his work to the Emmys' Midsouth chapter. It highlights how local anchors who started in the 1970s continue to be honored for sustained public service on the air.