Larry King: A Legend in the World of Broadcast Journalism
In a world dominated by broadcast journalism, Larry King stands out as an icon and national treasure. He has been at the forefront of this industry for more than 60 years, winning awards and setting the standard for excellence in broadcasting. From his groundbreaking interviews to his iconic style, Larry King is a true legend in the world of broadcast journalism.
The Early Years
Larry King was born Larry Zeiger in New York City in 1933. He moved to Miami in 1957, where he started his career as a radio host on WAHR (now WMBM). From here, King’s star began to rise, and he quickly became a popular radio personality throughout the United States.
King’s first big break came in 1978 when he began hosting a late-night talk show on CNN, the first of its kind. This show, “Larry King Live”, went on to become the highest-rated show on cable television for 25 years, cementing King’s place as a journalism superstar.
The Interviews
Throughout his career, Larry King has conducted some of the most memorable interviews ever conducted, discussing everything from politics to pop culture. He has interviewed such icons as President Barack Obama, the Dalai Lama, and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as well as countless other world-renowned figures.
One of his most famous interviews was with former President Bill Clinton in 1992, which came right in the heat of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. This was the first time a president had ever agreed to talk openly about such a scandal, and King was credited with steering the conversation in a generally positive direction.
King has also conducted interviews with celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Paul McCartney, President George W. Bush, and Anna Nicole Smith, as well as entertainers such as Michael Jackson, Tom Cruise, and George Clooney. The list of subjects he has discussed with goes on and on.
Signature Style
Aside from his amazing interviews and ability to get his subjects to open up, Larry King was known for his unique style. He would often be seen wearing a red or yellow coat with a suspenders and glasses, creating an iconic look that has since been copied by many other broadcast journalists. King was also known for his lack of notes during interviews, instead relying on his own natural conversation skills.
Larry King Day
Larry King’s success and contributions to the world of broadcast journalism have been recognized with a number of awards and honors. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Grammy Award for Spoken Word Album for his book, “My Remarkable Journey”.
In October of 2019, the State of California declared October 23rd as Larry King Day in honor of all of his accomplishments. This was a fitting tribute to a man who has become a living legend in the world of broadcasting.
Retirement and Legacy
Larry King officially retired from CNN in 2010, ending his 25-year run as host of the show “Larry King Live”. He remained active on the radio, though, hosting the weekly show “Politicking with Larry King” until 2020, right before his passing.
Despite his death, Larry King’s legacy will live on forever. He is remembered as an icon in the world of broadcast journalism and a trailblazer who set the standard for excellence in this field. His interviews will continue to be remembered and studied for years to come, and his unique style will never be forgotten.
