Contacts:
Steve Anderson (214) 740-9283 / sanderson@kera.org
Sharon Philippart (214) 740-9213 / sphilippart@kera.org
MEDIA ALERT
November 20, 2005
IN MEMORY: GLENN MITCHELL
DALLAS - Glenn Mitchell, host of KERA 90.1's "The Glenn Mitchell Show," and one of the region's best known radio personalities, died early Sunday morning at his Dallas home. Mitchell was 55.
He had a history of heart-related issues and had undergone heart surgery several years ago.
"We are shocked and saddened at the news of Glenn's passing," said Jeff Luchsinger, VP and Station Manager for KERA 90.1. "Glenn was a daily companion for so many in our community. He had a curious mind, a rare talent and was deeply committed to his work. We will miss him."
For the past 10 years, Mitchell had hosted "The Glenn Mitchell Show." The critically acclaimed talk show consistently garnered radio awards, including 19 Katie Awards from the Dallas Press Club, four of them for best interview/talk show. The Dallas Observer had recognized Mitchell and The Glenn Mitchell Show in their Best of Dallas awards seven years in a row.
The Glenn Mitchell Show had been building a loyal and steadily growing audience and was slated to begin airing nationally on XM Satellite Radio early in 2006.
Mitchell was a highly knowledgeable and accessible host with an ability to interview on a broad spectrum of topics - from national, state, and local political issues to science, the arts, sports, contemporary culture, language, international and military affairs, history, health and the media. That versatility has made him a magnet for touring newsmakers of the day.
He counted among his guests former presidents, candidates and politicos, including Jimmy Carter, Pat Buchanan, Gary Hart, George Stephanopoulos; nationally renowned authors, including P.D. James, Spalding Gray, Mary Karr, Jane Smiley and Roy Blount, Jr.; actors, including Robert Duvall, Martin Mull, Richard Belzer; and cultural icons such as Mike Wallace, Julia Child, Matt Drudge and Alan Dershowitz. The show was also host to musical guests the likes of Lyle Lovett, Lisa Loeb and David Byrne and the Kings Singers and frequently presented live performances by the musicians in his studio.
Mitchell, who worked at KERA 90.1 FM on and off since 1974 - when KERA 90.1 first went on the air - was also widely know for his program's highly popular "Anything You Ever Wanted to Know" segments on KERA 90.1. The weekly segments gave listeners the opportunity to submit questions - or attempt to answer other callers' questions - about any subject imaginable, from history to etymology to local lore or breaking news.
Mitchell's "Christmas Blockbuster" - an annual marathon of holiday music, history and trivia - was also a popular holiday feature on KERA 90.1 FM for more than 30 years. An abbreviated version of the Blockbuster aired on public radio stations across the nation.
In addition to his radio series on KERA 90.1, Mitchell had contributed to many National Public Radio programs since 1978, including "All Things Considered," "Morning Edition," "Only A Game," and "Performance Today."
Mitchell's broadcast experience was broad and varied. He was host and producer of "The Morning Magazine" on KERA 90.1 from 1976-1979; anchor for television's National Business Network on KNBN-TV in 1981; reporter for "Business Edition with David Johnson" on KERA 13 from 1982 to 1983; host and producer for television programs on the Financial Satellite Network from 1989-1991 and host of the "Texas USA" radio talk show on the Texas State Network from 1992 to 1994.
Mitchell was born September 28, 1950 in Springfield, Missouri. He graduated from high school in Arlington Heights, Illinois and attended Southern Methodist University, where he received a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English. He was a visiting assistant professor at SMU's Center for Communications Arts from 1992 to 1993 and continued to teach there occasionally.
Memorial services are pending. KERA 90.1 FM will air a radio memorial Monday during the first hour of "The Glenn Mitchell Show." Listeners will be encouraged to call in.
Mitchell is survived by his wife, Susan Krasnow.
CORRECTION
In Memory: Glenn Mitchell
In a press release issued on Sunday, November 20, by KERA, it was incorrectly reported that Glenn Mitchell, host of KERA 90.1's "The Glenn Mitchell Show," had previously undergone heart bypass surgery. In fact, Mitchell did not have heart bypass surgery, but rather had aortic valve replacement surgery at age 37, to correct an anomaly in the valve, thought to be the result of a birth defect.
Mitchell, one of the region's best known radio personalities, died early on November 20, at his home at age 55. He had gone to a hospital emergency room on Saturday night, November 19, complaining of pressure in his chest and difficulty breathing. The exact cause of Mitchell's death has not yet been determined.
A public memorial in celebration of Glenn Mitchell's life will be held on Wednesday, November 30, at 3pm at the Dallas Theater Center's Kalita Humphreys Theater. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to KERA's Glenn Mitchell Program Fund and to the American Heart Association. See kera.org for details.
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