Mel Venter, a Stanford University graduate, was a popular program host during radio’s early years. He would later serve as a newsman and sportscaster, as well as a station executive. Venter eventually made the transition to television.
Venter was well-known for KFRC programs such as The Breakfast Gang and House of Melody, which were distrubuted on the Don Lee network.
During World War II, Venter joined the US Coast Guard and served as a public relations officer, giving speeches up and down the West Coast.
He handled play-by-play for numerous sports events including the East-West Shrine college football game.
From 1960 to 1962, Venter teamed with Bud Foster to call Oakland Raiders games on the radio.
On KTVU television in the 1960s, Venter served as master of ceremonies of the afternoon I Want To Know.
Mel Venter died in 1983 at age 73.
I was called one morning in 1960 and asked if I wanted to answer a question on Mel Venters tell a test. I said yes that I would and I answered correctly. I won $200. My husband was enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard at that time. Such a delightful surprise!