George Putnam's "Talk Back" with Chuck Wilder

LEGENDARY TALK HOST PASSES AWAY

“Talk Back” Host, George Putnam, dead at 94

LOS ANGELES, CA – September 12, 2008 – Legendary newscaster and talk radio host, George Putnam passed away early this morning.  He was 94. 

“George was an icon and true legend in the television and radio business,” said Mike Horn, President and CEO of CRN Digital Talk Radio.  “George was truly the last of an era.  He was a character whose story telling 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 had been in and out of the hospital for the last few months, but still managed to provide reports on his long running radio show, “Talk Back.”  Recently, George was honored by the LA City Council and the LA County Board of Supervisors for his lifetime of service to the city.

Putnam’s radio career began in 1934 at WDGY in Minneapolis.  Putnam’s greatest work was achieved in Los Angeles, where he had been working since 1951.  In the 1950’s, Putnam left radio for television and hosted some of the highest rated newscasts in Los Angeles.  He anchored at KTTV 11, KTLA 5, KCOP 13 and KHJ 9 (currently KCAL 9).  It is said that Ted Knight even patterned his character on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” after Putnam’s classic style.  For his contribution to the television industry, Putnam received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Over 20 years ago, Putnam returned to radio with the creation of “Talk Back.”  He hosted that show daily and was thought to be the oldest nationally syndicated radio host in America. 

“Talk Back” is syndicated and carried nationally by CRN Digital Talk Radio and is carried on several local stations in Southern California and along the East Coast.  In George’s absence, his longtime producer and friend, Chuck Wilder, has hosted the program and will continue to do so. 

Putnam was the originator of the illegal immigration movement that has catapulted many LA radio shows to fame.  Although Putnam advocated many conservative viewpoints, he has stated that he is a “lifelong Democrat.”