James M. Metcalf was a journalist for WWL-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana where he served as anchor/reporter. He later became the host of A Sunday Journal from 1973 until his death from cancer in 1977, which was considered a "class act" in bringing ordinary people and their hobbies and interests to television. In 1975, Jim and his show were awarded the Peabody Award for "good writing, excellent photography, and artistic presentation."