Amber Willard
BEVERLY HILLS -- A Glendale-based talk show host will celebrate his
86th birthday and 25th year of continuous broadcasting, making his the
longest-running show in Los Angeles, this afternoon with an on-air party.
George Putnam, the voice of KIEV 870 AM's "Talk Back" opinion show,
will be joined be friends and fans from noon to 2 p.m. today at the
Museum of Television and Radio in Beverly Hills.
"Every day is a new challenge, a new story," Putnam said of his show,
which is a blend of current event interviews with guests and listeners'
questions and comments.
A studio audience of about 150 will be allowed into the museum's
theater with another 100 permitted outside, but a station publicist said
the best way to catch the show is on the air.
"It's been in the works for a number of months ... getting the
celebrity and broadcast guests. They've all known each other a long
time," said publicist Mary Anderson-Harris.
Guests will include comedian Steve Allen, author Ray Bradbury,
columnist James Bacon and actress Doris Day.
Putnam started his broadcasting career on his 20th birthday in 1934 in
Minnesota. Since then, he has worked in both television and radio as a
reporter and commentator.
"My mother used to tell me, 'You talk all the time anyway, why not be
paid for it?' " said Putnam, who has ridden one of his horses in the
Tournament of Roses Parade for the past 40 years.
IF YOU LISTEN
WHAT: On-air celebration for Glendale-based radio show host George
Putnam's 86th birthday and 25th year of broadcasting on station.
WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. today.
WHERE: KIEV 870 AM; Museum of Television and Radio, 465 N. Beverly
Dr., Beverly Hills.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Lots of reminiscing by such guests as Steve Allen,
Doris Day and Ray Bradbury.
