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>

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.

Welcome 2024 and the first post of the New Year.

We will do our best to keep Dad’s beloved WNEW1130 site up and running to his standards.

And, our family thank his WNEW family of friends for their loyal support.

B Diehl, M Eisgrau, A Fisher,  B Gibson, A Walden, A Wasser

-Marianne (Brown)Palmer

Barrett Funeral Home