In 1976, Bart Tessler teamed up with former KCOP-13/Los Angeles sales executive Norm Pattiz to pitch a syndicated offering to radio called “The Sound of Motown.” This was the genesis of Westwood One.
Now, with the Sunday, Aug. 30, closure of Westwood One News, Tessler is “starting a new chapter.”
It brings 44 years “of high-profile accomplishments and impressive service” to a close, the Cumulus Media-owned unit said in an internal memo distributed Thursday.
At Westwood One, Tessler worked for organization after organization, thanks to mergers, sales and acquisitions that saw him report to no less than 25 different CEOs, COOs, and presidents.
His time at WWO includes his oversight for the launch of three national news networks; a business network; and distribution relationships for another three.
Tessler can also be thanked for the creation of the weekly presidential radio address heard every Saturday, produced from both The White House and from Camp David.
And, if not for Tessler, syndicated talk programs featuring Dennis Miller, Bill O’Reilly, Larry King, Charles Osgood, Laura Ingraham, Michael Savage, Chris Plante, Jim Bohannon and Mark Levin may have taken a different path.
What does Tessler have to say about the end of his career at WWO?
“It’s been a thrill to witness history and work with the industry’s top personalities and broadcast journalists,” he said. “It has also been a privilege to have the responsibility to carefully and accurately report important news over the years. The stars have now aligned perfectly to allow me to transition to the next story. Many thanks to Suzanne Grimes and Charles Steinhauer for their guidance and support, and best wishes to Westwood One and all my colleagues and friends for continued health and success.”
RBR+TVBR extends its very best wishes to Bart Tessler for continued happiness and success in all that lies ahead.
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