Feb 29, 2008 11:40 pm US/Central
WCCO-TV News Release On Bill Carlson
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
Bill Carlson, one of WCCO-TV's most versatile and beloved news anchors passed away at approximately 6 p.m., Friday, February 29, 2008 with his wife Nancy Nelson by his side. Carlson had been fighting prostate cancer and in recent days, the cancer spread to his liver. Carlson was 73 years of age.
"To say that he will be sorely missed by the entire staff, past and present, and the community seems a gross understatement," said Susan Adams Loyd, WCCO-TV Vice President and General Manager. "He often spoke of his love and respect for his fellow employees and how proud he was to work at WCCO and how much he wished to return to work. It may be fitting that many of us heard Bill's voice for the last time in his contributions to our coverage of the Academy Awards just this past week."
Carlson's career spanned nearly 50 years. He started at WCCO Radio as a page while he was still in high school. While there, he produced many popular WCCO Radio programs as well as established himself as an on-air talent. At the same time he attended the University of Minnesota, where he received a degree in radio and television speech.
In 1959 he transferred to WCCO-TV, where he began his television career. Carlson literally grew up in the broadcast business. His career included nearly every phase of radio and television work including Assistant Promotion Director, Director of Operations, Associate Research Director and Chief Announcer. He also hosted a phone-in talk show, a teen dance program and several game shows, as well as hosted WCCO-TV's "The Morning Show," "The Midday Scene," "This Must Be The Place," and of course most recently, "WCCO 4 News at Noon."
Most known for covering the Arts and Entertainment beat for WCCO-TV, Carlson interviewed hundreds of Hollywood stars over the years including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Robert Redford, Barbara Steisand and Britney Spears. His interviewing style earned him the respect and admiration from all he met. His connections with the entertainment industry led him all over the world.
A native Minnesotan, Carlson was born in Thief River Falls and raised in St. Paul. He and his beloved wife Nancy Nelson Carlson have been actively involved with animal rights issues. Carlson worked extensively with the Minnesota Humane Society and the Fund for Animals. He and Nancy also worked with ex-offenders from the Minnesota prison system.
WCCO-TV is part of the CBS Television Station Division, a division of CBS Corporation.
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