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A Sad Anniversary

George Engle

No matter how many years have passed, there is no forgetting George Engle! Here was a first-rate radio news broadcaster who loved the day-in, day-out grind because he never considered it just a job! After all, it was his life and he did it so damn well!

Initially in the Navy then in Michigan, Cleveland, and New York, at WNEW and ABC Radio News. George died 29 years ago today in 1995 at age 64. Much too soon for a great family man and gregarious broadcaster who knew how to make people laugh and with his skilled writing make them cry.

Those of us who worked with George were indeed privileged. His longtime friend and colleague Alan Walden remembers George’s stentorian tones saying “Right Rocky” as though he were that animated character Bullwinkle. On the other hand, when I worked with George at ABC Radio News his pet phrase for telling people to “screw off” was “blow it out your bloomer!”

That was George, a man and a broadcaster who made his words count!!

<Article contributed by Bob Gibson>

Feb 13, 1934 WNEW AM

FIRST BREATH OF LIFE FOR WNEW AM

Edward Brown
Feb 13, 1970

WNEW

When this newscast began about eight minutes ago, it marked an anniversary of some note. It was at 7pm, February 13, thirty-six years ago tonight, that President Franklin D. Roosevelt pressed a gold key in the White House, which transmitted an electronic impulse to New York City, which activated a broadcast transmitter and put WNEW on the air for the first time.

Thirty-six years is a long time. A lot of things said. A lot of music heard. Many careers beginning here or spending some time here. It would be interesting to be able to hear a recording of that first day’s broadcast. But in those days it was all-live. So the only memories that can be recalled are those carried around in the mind.

I do know that that night’s programming included an organ recital and a dramatic skit featuring Kay Reed who remains with WNEW to this day, as do a number of people who were here for those very first minutes.

For the people who have worked here or who have grown up with WNEW, memories vary. Some can remember when Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore sang here and when programs like “The Make Believe Ball Room” and the “Milkman’s Matinee” were brand new and set a style which became the standard of the industry. And you’ll forgive me if I contend that WNEW remains the standard.

As for myself, it’s really quite odd sitting here and for the moment making the only noise coming out of radios dialed to 1130. Years ago, when I first started as a newsman and was working at small suburban stations, the thought of working here one day was so paramount for me that once in a while I’d give my boss a coronary by inadvertently giving WNEW’s call letter on his radio station.

As William B. Williams points out from time to time, it isn’t all caviar and bright lights. But there is something about being able to meet every day with people you cannot see and rarely meet but, in a way, get to know very well, sharing current events and old memories and trying to stay young together.

Happy Birthday, Bill Diehl

Thank you Bob Gibson for your contribution-

        BILL DIEHL

He’s no slouch
And he’s never a bore,
My friend Bill Diehl
Is suddenly 84!

It’s been quite a ride
For this ABC Radio Entertainment maven,
Covering special events
And recalling the stars after leaving their safe havens!

If nothing else
He carries many a name,
Primarily “Mister Media”
Since broadcasting’s his game!

In his time, he’s clocked some astounding numbers:
Sixty-nine years in broadcasting with 53 at ABC,
It’s been a breathtaking experience
With tons of natural sound and lots for Bill to see!

Once all is said
And done,
Mr. Diehl remains convinced in leaving WNEW
He chose the radio company that’s still number-one!

With every good wish for all your fun-filled days,
Bob
(Wednesday, January 24, 2024)

The House I Live In

What is America to me
A name, a map, or a flag I see
A certain word, democracy
What is America to me

The house I live in
A plot of Earth, a street
The grocer and the butcher
And the people that I meet

The children in the playground
The faces that I see
All races and religions
That's America to me

The place I work in
The worker by my side
The little town the city
Where my people lived and died

The howdy and the handshake
The air a feeling free
And the right to speak your mind out
That's America to me

The things I see about me
The big things and the small
The little corner newsstand
Or the house a mile tall

The wedding and the churchyard
The laughter and the tears
The dream that's been a growing
For a hundred and fifty years

The town I live in
The street, the house, the room
The pavement of the city
Or the garden all in bloom

The church the school the clubhouse
The million lights I see
But especially the people
That's America to me

There’s Only One . . .

W-N-E-W  1130 in New York   (:48)

                                                   Metromedia Radio

The Great Northeast     (:29)

In The Style Of George Shearing   (:28)

 

Ted Brown and Bill Harrington  (5:37)

We’ve Got Quite A Few Friends   (:30)

 

Nat Cole Calypso   (:40)

 

Al “Jazzbeaux” Collins. “3 Little Pigs. (4:03)

 

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