George Putnam Dies At 94

LOS ANGELES — September 12, 2008: Newscaster and talk host George Putnam has died at age 94. He had been ill and in and out of hospital for some time, but had been providing reports for his CRN Digital Talk Radio show, Talk Back.

Putnam’s career began at WDGY/Minneapolis in 1934, and he later worked as a reporter and commentator at NBC, ABC, Dumont, Mutual, and Metromedia. After serving in the Army and Marines in World War II, he came to Los Angeles in 1951, and ultimately anchored the news at four different L.A. TV stations.

Talk Back debuted on KRLA/Los Angeles in the 1980s, with a blend of commentary, interviews with newsmakers, and listener calls. The show is now syndicated by CRN, which broadcasts via cable TV, broadcast radio, satellite, and online.

“George was an icon and true legend in the television and radio business,” said CRN President/CEO Mike Horn. “George was truly the last of an era. He was a character whose storytelling abilities could not be beat, a patriot whose love for America influenced everything he did, and a friend who brought insight and laughter to everyone.”

Putnam’s longtime producer, Chuck Wilder, has been hosting the show and will continue to do so, CRN said

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