WASHINGTON, DC – George Michael, Washington, D.C. legendary broadcaster who was famous for sports television’s “The George Michael Sports Machine” show, has died of cancer. He was 70 years old.
Michael, who always had a confident and boisterous style while on the air, worked in radio and television for more than 40 years. He worked on the sports desk at the NBC affiliate in Washington, D.C., from 1980 to 2007.
Michael’s daughter, Michelle Allen, said Michael was surrounded by family and friends when he died Thursday morning from complications of chronic lymphocytic leukemia at Sibley Memorial Hospital.
“He waged his battle against cancer with the same drive and determination that made him a one-of-a-kind in the broadcasting industry,” the family said in a statement. “Whether it was covering a sports story, working on his horse farm, or spending time with family and friends, he approached everything in life with passion.”
“Sports Machine” began shortly after Michael’s arrival at WRC TV in Washington in 1980 as “George Michael’s Sports Final,” a late-night local feature. Then in 1984 it grew into the first nationally syndicated sports highlights show, eventually airing in 194 markets across the United States and in 10 foreign countries.
WRC TV called Michael a pioneer in sports broadcasting and a dynamic force in its newsroom.
“He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller, and one of the hardest working journalists out there,” the station said.
PFP Talent extends its deepest condolences to the family.
