Spotlight Interview: Seymour “Pinky” Kravitz
This month’s interview is with Seymour “Pinky” Kravitz. Pinky is a radio and television personality in the Atlantic City area. His radio show, Pinky’s Corner, has been on the air for over 52 years. He also writes a column for At The Shore in The Press of Atlantic City and broadcast the Miss America Parade on the Atlantic City Boardwalk for many years. He is involved with many civic and charitable organizations including the Atlantic City Boardwalk Committee which is charged with improving the Boardwalk.
Where were you born?
I was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia
When did you move to Atlantic City?
We moved to Atlantic City when I was seven years old.
How did you get your nickname?
A neighbor didn’t like my name (Seymour) and he said I looked like a character in a comic strip whose name was Pinky and he said, “I’m going to call you Pinky” and it has stuck ever since.
How did you get started in radio?
The owner of radio station WMID asked me to broadcast high school sports. A friend was doing a talk show at the time and I used to sit and listen to him and I decided I could do it too. So in June of 1957 I began my show.
How has the talk-show business changed in the past 50 years?
The big difference is that there are more listeners participating today.
What famous people have you interviewed?
Eleanor Roosevelt, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin, Joan Fontaine, Bruce Dern and Jack Nicholson plus most of the state and local politicians and top entertainers who performed in Atlantic City over the past 52 years.
Which interviews are the most memorable?
Eleanor Roosevelt, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr. and the New Jersey governors are the ones that really stand out.
What’s the best thing about living at the Jersey Shore?
I like the ocean, the beach and the Boardwalk along with the great climate and the people who live here.
How has the Atlantic City Boardwalk changed in the past 50 years?
It has lost its glamour and quality shops. However, the shops in the blocks that are not owned by the casinos do have new facades.
Atlantic City is struggling due to the weak economy and casinos on nearby states; what does the city need to do to remain competitive?
Safety is very important. We need bright lights and cameras on the Boardwalk and in the streets. We also need to demolish the abandoned buildings and clean up the city.
What is your vision for Bader Field?
Initially it was for casinos but now I would favor a major family attraction with quality homes along the waterfront for new residents.
Do you think the Miss America Pageant will ever return to Atlantic City?
I don’t think so. However, we are trying to get them back as they are without a host city and they have no television contract as far as I know.
Pinky is on Pinky’s Corner from 4-6 pm Monday through Friday on radio station WOND (1400 am or online at WOND1400am.com). He also does WMGM-TV Presents Pinky at 7:30 pm on Saturdays on WMGM-TV in the Atlantic City area.