HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — George Michael, a longtime sportscaster best known for his nationally syndicated program The George Michael Sports Machine, died early Thursday in Washington after a long battle with cancer. He was 70.
Michael's death was announced by Washington's NBC4, where he served as a sports director for 27 years.
"George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years," the station said in a statement. "He was a dynamic force around our newsroom and in the entire Washington area. George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting. He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller and one of the hardest working journalists out there. Our hearts go out to his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle, both of whom also worked with us for many years, as well as the rest of his family."
Michael's "Sports Machine," which began as a local program in the early '80s, was groundbreaking for its use of sports game highlights — a model since utilized by networks like ESPN. His program was first syndicated in 1984 and went on to air across the country on Sunday nigths for more than two decades.
Michael also launched the careers of several notable sports personalities over the years, including Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon.
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