George Putnam, Legendary Los Angeles Newsman, Dies At 94

George Putnam, the pioneer television news anchorman and conservative commentator whose distinctive stentorian voice was familiar to millions of Southern Californians during his heyday in the 1950s and '60s, died today. He was 94.

Putnam, who had been suffering from a kidney ailment since December, died at Chino Valley Medical Center, said Chuck Wilder, Putnam's co-host, producer and announcer.

Perhaps best remembered for his "One Reporter's Opinion" TV newscast segments, Putnam began his broadcast career on a Minneapolis radio station in 1934. More than 70 years later, he was still at the microphone with his weekday, noon to 2 p.m. "Talk Back with George Putnam" syndicated program.

Putnam did his last regular broadcast on May 8 but returned on July 14 for a one-hour broadcast marking his 94th birthday, during which he fielded phone calls from well-wishers, including actress Doris Day.

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