George Michael and NBC 4 Part Ways
After nearly three decades, George Michael and WRC-TV, NBC 4 are finally set to part ways permanently. Last week, as first reported by DCRTV, Michael (not the singer) was informed by management that his contributions to NBC 4 sports, in the form of weekly interviews of Jim Zorn, the weekly Redskins Report panel show, and offseason related show Full Court Press would no longer be needed after this season.
This is not the first time NBC 4 and Michael split. In early 2007, he left doing full time anchoring duties in an effort to try and save money for the station. Now he is left to nothing. I was home yesterday afternoon in time to catch the 5 & 6 PM NBC 4 newscasts and he was still there doing the interviews. A consummate professional in my book. Some would have left the station immediately.
What's left to wonder is what is next for the legendary anchor. He was arguably the most recognizable sportscaster in Washington, DC. Only the great Glenn Brenner could rival him. Maybe he will take his show to a competing network or one of the regional cable sports networks. Or now that his schedule is completely free, would he return to his radio roots and do a show on ESPN 980?
Comments
I was never a big George Michael fan, but I admire his willingness to stand up for his staff and take the hit with regards to cuts instead of letting others bear the brunt.
It's also interesting to note that the Redskins Report was one of the highest rated shows for the local NBC affiliate, so either there are some larger personality issues going on here or the people in charge at NBC really are that dumb.
Posted by: Q | December 30, 2008 4:40 PM
On a more national and regional level for what George accomplished in sports broadcasting, there was no rival in the area. He filled the void in sports with The Sports Machine before there was ESPN and provided complete coverage of sports on a local level. George could be credited for launching the national careers of several journalists.
It was nice that you mentioned the late Glenn Brenner who was just and nice and welcoming off camera as on camera. How soon we forget the weenie of the week and having various people and animals pick games of the week.
Once on Redskins Roundtable on channel five at the start of Super Bowl week, Buckhantz
had assembled all of the local sportscasters and it was visible to all viewers the lighter side of George by his interaction with Brenner.
George's shows provide more than just great sports entertainment, but an added level of insight from an x's and o's perspective to a player's perspective. Full Court Press covered it all by those with access and knowledge of multiple sports and shared that knowledge with fans. Hopefully channel seven or 980 picks up George. Hopefully MASN would be interested. It would seem to be a great fit for a network looking for programming.
Posted by: The Sports Freak | December 31, 2008 5:25 AM