Golden Owl Tack Nail, long-time telecommunications reporter, dies after fall; Memorial service March 31

National Press Club Golden Owl Dawson "Tack" Nail, 82, who spent more than 50 years as one of the most prominent reporters covering broadcasting and telecommunications in Washington, died Friday, March 25, from complications following a fall at his Virginia home March 24.

Nail, the longtime executive editor of Warren Communications News’ Television Digest and Communications Daily, was inducted last year into NPC's prestigious "Order of the Owl," reserved for the "wisest" long-time members of the club.

In 1980, Nail joined C-SPAN founder Brian Lamb on the first C-SPAN call-in show, an interview with FCC Chairman Charles Ferris, which was telecast from the National Press Club. Nail was an active member of the Club's Broadcast Committee.

His honors included the National Association of Broadcasters Spirit of Broadcasting Award. He was a former president of the D.C. chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, and was a member of that chapter's Hall of Fame, an award that was bestowed during a dinner at the Club.

He arrived in Washington in 1955 with Broadcasting magazine, then moved to Television Digest in 1964, where he stayed until his semi-retirement. The dean of reporters covering the communications industry, he continued as a regular contributor to the Warren newsletters until his death. He remained active in several broadcast-related groups, including service on the Broadcast Pioneers board.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and six children.

A memorial service will be held in the Press Club ballroom at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31.