George Jennings... my mentor...my friend. I loved him like a father and owe all that I've done in broadcasting to this man. George and I first met at KPAC in Port Arthur, Texas back in 1978... we worked together for the next 10 years at three stations: KPAC, WOAI and WFAA in Dallas. George was the first to let me "anchor" a newscast when others said I "Wasn't anchor material..." Stints at KNX in Los Angeles, UPI Radio, NBC Radio, as morning anchor, and AP Radio, again as morning anchor proved George was right and the others were wrong. I am deeply saddened by news of his death. He truly was my mentor and the reason I am where I am today in the industry. There are others like me. Let me name a few who worked with George way back when in Port Arthur: Andy Pollin, now with WTEM in DC and one of the originals at WFAN when everyone said all-sports would fail... Michael Packer, former PD of WLS now involved in consulting.... John McConnel, VP of ABC Radio... ALL of us had the honor of learning from that crusty old man and all of us are better broadcasters today because of that experience.
George, I will miss you. I feel fortunate knowing that before you left us I was able to tell you how much you meant in my life. I hope that now that you are gone you realize just what a monumental impact you had on the lives of MANY in your chosen industry. I will never, ever forget you my dear, dear friend. There was great comfort in knowing for these many years that Jennings was on the case somewhere... that security blanket has been stripped from us all and now the world is a slightly meaner and nastier place. Jennings was rough, but Jennings was ALWAYS right. I feel as though I have lost a father.
Ken Herrera
Morning Host
WTMJ-AM
Milwaukee
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