How George Putnam Became a Broadcast Icon

“That’s the up-to-the-minute news, and up-to-the-minute that’s all the news” and “See ya at ten, see ya then.” These catchy phrases were attributed to the American TV news reporter and talk show host George Haven Putnam.

Putnam was born on July 14, 1914 in Breckenridge, Minnesota. At 20 years old, Putnam started his radio career at Minnesota’s WDGY. He also became associated with WJSV in Washington, DC. Putnam was the host of the evening edition of Broadway to Hollywood DuMont TV Network from July 1949 to February 1951.

At the height of his career, Putnam hosted the highest rating newscasts in LA. In fact, Putnam became the anchor of four of LA’s independent stations: KTLA, KCOP, KTTV and KHJ-TV (now known as KCAL-TV). Aside from salaries, it was reported that KTLA and KTTV gave him a Rolls Royce car while he was with them.

His contribution in the TV industry was recognized by the Emmy’s Awards three times. He was also an inductee to the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. Putnam was also a regular participant in the annual Rose Parade where he rode from 1951 to 2000.