With an on air career for more than 60 years Harvey was the most recognizable voices with commentary the radio medium has ever known. Harvey passed away Saturday, 2/28/09 with the cause of death yet known.
Harvey started his commentary with, "Hello, Americans, this is Paul Harvey! Stand by for news!" and the rest is history. Harvey was an icon an American institution with over 22 million listeners that tuned in to his observations and many times his wisdom twice daily on ABC Radio Networks. The style of his broadcast also made him an advertising marketing power but he had a solid rule of only standing by the products he himself used.
From a broadcaster area many radio stations that aired Harvey will find a very large void to fill as there was only one Paul Harvey. Good Day.
Statement by Former President George W. Bush on the Death of Paul Harvey:
"Laura and I are saddened by the death of Paul Harvey. Paul was a friendly and familiar voice in the lives of millions of Americans. His commentary entertained, enlightened, and informed. Laura and I are pleased to have known this fine man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family." Former President George W. Bush
A statement from ABC Radio Networks President James Robinson.
"Paul Harvey was one of the most gifted and beloved broadcasters in our nation’s history. As he delivered the news each day with his own unique style and commentary, his voice became a trusted friend in American households. His career in radio spanned more than seven decades, during which time countless millions of listeners were both informed and entertained by his “News & Comment” and “Rest of the Story” features. Even after the passing of his loving wife Angel in May 2008, Paul would not slip quietly into retirement as he continued to take the microphone and reach out to his audience. We will miss our dear friend tremendously and are grateful for the many years we were so fortunate to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his son Paul Jr. and the rest of the Harvey family. " Jim Robinson, President, ABC Radio Networks
A statement from Paul Harvey Jr.
"My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news. So in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend." Paul Harvey Jr.
Statement from Michael Skarzynski, Arbitron CEO
This weekend we bid a sad goodbye to the incomparable Paul Harvey, who graced the airwaves for more than 70 years and reached more than 25 million each week – an unparalleled achievement for a radio broadcaster. Paul was a friendly and familiar voice in the lives of Americans. His commentary entertained, enlightened, and informed.
Paul Harvey was beloved by his audience, his colleagues and his sponsors. His ABC Radio Network programs, “News and Commentary” and “The Rest of the Story,” touched our lives while entertaining us all from his distinct point of view.
The commercials that he read in his unique vocal style were a seamless part of his program. He considered the words of his sponsors as “good news” that a friend would tell a neighbor about a product or service that could make someone’s life easier, better or simply more enjoyable.
In recognition of his lifetime achievements in radio, Paul Harvey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, for his especially meritorious contribution to our national cultural interests.
Radio owes much to Paul Harvey. We would do well to bring to radio in our lifetime what Paul Harvey brought every day to the medium he loved so well. American life was enriched by this fine man, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
