Bill Stern: The Voice of Old-Time Radio

Bill Stern was a true pioneer of American radio broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark on the industry during its golden age. As both a skilled sportscaster and a captivating storyteller, Stern's distinctive voice and larger-than-life persona made him a household name for millions of listeners across the country. From announcing the nation's first remote sports broadcast to narrating a long-running series of sports shorts, Stern's versatility and showmanship elevated the medium, paving the way for future generations of radio personalities.

Early Life and Background

Born on July 1, 1907, in Rochester, New York, Bill Stern grew up with a passion for sports and a natural talent for oration. After graduating from the Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) in 1930, he began his broadcasting career, covering local baseball games for a station in his hometown. Stern's big break came in 1937 when he was hired by NBC to host the popular program "The Bill Stern Sports Newsreel" and provide play-by-play commentary for Friday night boxing matches.

Stern's rise to fame, however, was not without its challenges. In 1935, while returning home from a football game in Texas, the car he was traveling in was involved in a severe accident, resulting in the amputation of his left leg just above the knee. Despite this physical setback, Stern's unwavering determination and charismatic on-air presence propelled him to the forefront of sports broadcasting.

Pioneering Sports Broadcasting

Bill Stern's most significant contribution to the world of radio was his role in revolutionizing sports broadcasting. In 1939, he made history by announcing the first televised sporting event, the second game of a doubleheader between Princeton and Columbia at Columbia's Baker Field. Just a few months later, on September 30, he called the first televised baseball game, a matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Stern's innovative approach to sports coverage extended beyond the realm of television. He was also responsible for the nation's first remote sports broadcast, setting a new standard for the industry. Stern's ability to captivate audiences with his vivid descriptions and dramatic storytelling style made him a beloved figure among sports fans, cementing his legacy as a true pioneer of the medium.

Rivalries and Controversies

Throughout his illustrious career, Bill Stern engaged in a fierce rivalry with another legendary sportscaster, Ted Husing, of the CBS network. The two men competed not only for broadcast position during sports and news events but also for the rights to cover the events themselves. Both served as their respective networks' sports directors, as well as being on-air stars, further fueling the intensity of their rivalry.

Stern's career was not without its share of controversies, however. In 1944, he caused a stir when he reported that the St. Louis Browns had broken a word of some sort of arrangement for the team to lose their only World Series that year. While the Browns did indeed lose the World Series that year, Stern later expressed regret over the article, acknowledging the potential impact of his words.

Transition to Other Media

Bill Stern's talents extended beyond the realm of radio, as he also made occasional appearances in feature films, often playing himself. Two of his more notable credits include "The Babe Ruth Story," starring William Bendix, and "The Jackie Robinson Story," starring Robinson himself.

In addition to his on-screen work, Stern also narrated a long-running series of 10-minute short subjects for MGM, titled "Bill Stern's World of Sports." These short films allowed Stern to showcase his storytelling abilities and bring the excitement of sports to the silver screen.

As his radio career began to wind down in the 1950s, Stern transitioned to television, joining ABC in 1953 and becoming a regular panelist on the game show "Sports Focus." However, his tenures at both NBC and ABC were cut short due to health issues stemming from his addiction to painkillers, which dated back to the period following his leg amputation.

Legacy and Impact

Bill Stern's impact on the world of sports broadcasting cannot be overstated. He was a true pioneer, responsible for numerous groundbreaking achievements that paved the way for future generations of radio and television personalities. In 1984, Stern was part of the inaugural class inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame, alongside other legendary figures such as Mel Allen, Red Barber, and Curt Gowdy.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stern's unique storytelling style and larger-than-life persona left an indelible mark on the industry. Some observers even consider his approach a blueprint for the style of later broadcasters, such as Paul Harvey, who adapted both Stern's newscasting and his stories about the famous and odd.

Despite the controversies and challenges he faced, Bill Stern's legacy as a true icon of old-time radio remains firmly intact. His voice and his stories continue to captivate audiences, serving as a testament to the power of the medium and the enduring impact of a true broadcasting legend.

Works and Appearances

Radio

"The Bill Stern Sports Newsreel" (1937-1953)
Friday night boxing commentary (1937-1953)
Sports reports and commentaries for Mutual Broadcasting System (late 1950s-1960s)

Television

Panelist on "Sports Focus" game show (1953-1956)

Cinema

"The Babe Ruth Story" (1948) - Appeared as himself
"The Jackie Robinson Story" (1950) - Appeared as himself
Narrator of "Bill Stern's World of Sports" short film series (1940s-1950s)

Publications

"Bill Stern's Favorite Baseball Stories" (1949) - Book

Bill Stern: The Voice That Captivated Old-Time Radio

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