One of the pioneers in the Los Angeles talk radio scene has passed away. Michael Jackson, a longtime fixture at KABC Los Angeles (790), died at 87-years-old on Saturday in his LA home, a spokesperson said.
“The world knew and adored our Michael Jackson. But Michael’s home was California, Los Angeles, America. For that, we are grateful,” former California Senator Barbara Boxer in a statement.
Jackson’s radio career spanned five decades; 32 of those years were spent at KABC (1966-1998) and syndicated on the ABC Radio Network for nearly a decade. During his time at KABC radio, Jackson had interviewed hundreds of public figures from politicians, actors, musicians, etc.
“It was a testament to Michael, that so many of the guests and celebrities preferred to actually come in studio, rather than do phoners,” said Lyle Gregory, Jackson’s Show Producer of 30 years.
“With his British accent and boyhood charm, Michael made people comfortable, they opened up. That was his gift. Michael molded an interview into conversation, news and information. Like two people sitting at a kitchen table talking. A table, an open window, where millions tuned in daily across the nation, so many of them referring to Michael as their personal University.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
