<\/a>As a broadcast industry statesman, Kup was an equally powerful force behind the scenes. With the encouragement of New York columnist and variety show host Ed Sullivan, who headed the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Kup founded the Chicago chapter of the TV Academy in 1958 and served as its first president and longtime guiding force.<\/p>\nThanks to his efforts, the first Chicago Emmy Awards (including a welcome appearance by Mayor Richard J. Daley) were broadcast live \u2014 no small accomplishment in the days before portable video cameras, microwave links and satellite transmissions.<\/p>\n
Jim Disch, current president of the Chicago Television Academy, paid tribute to Kup, calling him an industry giant. \u201cIrv\u2019s dedication over the years to the TV Academy is testimony to his sincere commitment to excellence in television and his true love for those involved in the medium,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Here is a<\/em>\u00a0vintage \u201cKup\u2019s Show\u201d excerpt from 1981 featuring Don Rickles, Robert Goulet, Tommy Lasorda and Tim Weigel:<\/em><\/p>\n