[2] During World War II he entered the Army Air Corps and was stationed at nearby Baer Field, which allowed him to continue his career at WOWO part-time.
After the war he supervised the construction of WKJG radio which went on the air in November 1947 with Gates as General Manager and part owner.
During his tenure as vice-president and general manager of WKJG-TV, the station was proud of having hired many talented beginners who eventually moved on to larger markets and bigger paychecks.
For years, WKJG's news broadcasts were assured good ratings simply on the basis of their sports coverage.
In the 1980s, competitors fought aggressively for the news viewer with upgraded sets, larger staffs, personable newscasters, and enhanced production graphics, with WPTA, youngest of the three major network affiliates, highest in the ratings.