Former MSTV Head Margita E. White Dies

Industy veteran Margita E. White passed away on Nov. 20, 2002 in Arlington Va.

White was president of MSTV from 1988 to 2001 and was influential in promoting broadcasters' interests during the DTV transition. From 1980-1988, she served various terms as director of Leitch Technology Corp., Mitretek Systems, Washington Mutual Investors Fund and the Growth Fund of Washington. White was an FCC commissioner from 1976-1979.

White received numerous accolades, among them the National Association of Broadcasters' Spirit of Broadcasting Award in 2001, a national American Broadcast Pioneer Award in 1998 and a Washington area chapter Broadcasters Pioneer Award in 1995.

White's successor, current MSTV president David Donovan called White a "genuine leader" for the broadcast industry. "History will record that Margita's vision, dedication and leadership led to the creation of digital broadcasting in this country. She built the foundation," he said.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 9, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, 6715 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Va.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either (1) International Women for Leadership Foundation, mark to: "Margita E. White Scholarship Fund," 1621 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Ste 300, Washington, D.C., 20009; or (2) Pennsylvania State University Archives, mark to: "A Few Good Women," 104 Paterno Library, University Park, PA 16802-1808.