Guns Are for Killing (1966)

Produced by Houston's KPRC-TV, this television news documentary asks 'Isn't it time for us to make a sincere endeavor ... to bury some guns forever?' Broadcast in 1966, three years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the production questions the lack of legislative action to curb gun violence. Host Ray Miller, news director for KPRC, first identifies the two necessary ingredients for murder: a person and a weapon. Looking at statistics from 1963 as an example, Miller reveals that more homicides were committed with guns than any other classification of weapon. He then demonstrates the ease with which anyone can purchase a gun by either mail order or through a dealer and the problems therein. To better understand the effectiveness of gun regulations, Miller concludes by looking at countries with stricter laws, such as the United Kingdom. Congress would not pass substantial gun control legislation until 1968—after the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy—with the Gun Control Act.

Newsman Ray Miller (1919 - 2008) began his broadcasting career in 1938 in his home town of Fort Worth. He relocated to Houston soon thereafter, where he joined KPRC Radio. When KPRC purchased Houston's first television station in 1951, Miller adopted the burgeoning medium, eventually winning a Peabody Award. In 1969, Miller created The Eyes of Texas, a regional television series examining all things Texas. On the air for 30 years, the series became Houston's longest-running local television program. Miller retired in 1979, serving as news director at both KPRC Radio and KPRC-TV for over 40 years. During his decades-long tenure at KPRC, Miller mentored a number of journalists, including Dan Rather and former US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

After retiring from television production, Miller became a local historian, writing several books and travel guides about historic attractions in Houston and Galveston. He also worked with the Harris County Historical Commission to secure markers for numerous sites.

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Ray Miller