The original eyewitness newsman is dead.
WABC-TV General Manager Dave Davis released the following statement in an e-mail to the WABC staff earlier today:
It is my sad duty to tell you that Bill Beutel has died. He lost his brave battle with illness yesterday in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The comforting news is that Bill was surrounded by family and loved ones when he went peacefully at the age of 75.
Many of you worked with Bill and most of you are aware of his significance to Channel 7 and ABC. The Beutel era began in 1962 when he went on air here for “The Big News”, and at the network. In 1968 he became London bureau chief for ABC News. Meanwhile Channel 7 was starting a revolutionary local news format called “Eyewitness News”. But it did not click until Bill Beutel returned in 1970 to sit alongside Roger Grimbsy. Together they began to build the foundation for Channel 7’s strength in the greater New York community that we all benefit from to this day. It was the first time a television news program focused on the viewers and what influenced their lives.
Bill had another role in our broadcast history in 1975, when he was the first anchor of “A.M. America”, familiar now to viewers as “Good Morning America”.
Bill’s reporting reached from the common man to nine Presidents. He chronicled the modern history of our city, from bankruptcy to 9/11, with many Yankees parades in between. He set the standard for Eyewitness News to bring our viewers news from anywhere, anytime; from the Vietnam War to AIDS in Africa.
He also proved you could be a tough newsman and a gentleman at the same time. He stood for fairness, accuracy, kindness, strength, and decency. He was never shrill, always measured, and universally respected- the original class act.
When Bill retired in 2003, he left behind a news organization that still tries to follow his example, and a television station whose identity was shaped by his character.
His funeral services will be private. Any of you who want to express sympathy to his family should give notes of how you remember Bill to Kelli Vogt, and we will deliver them to Bill’s wife.
Soon we will announce plans for a memorial service here for everyone who wants to honor Bill’s life. For now, remember his signature sign off- good luck, be well.
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