When former WABI-TV of Bangor sportscaster and WABI radio morning show host George Hale began his broadcasting career over 60 years ago, he never gave any thought to winning awards.
“I didn’t go out looking for those things,” he said.
But awards found him, including the prestigious Gold Circle Honoree that he received from the New England chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Thursday night at the Seaport Boston-Hotel Lighthouse Ballroom.
The Gold and Circle Awards honors veteran television professionals who have made noteworthy contributions to their community, the television industry and to individuals for careers in the field of television. The Gold Circle Award is for 50 years of service in the industry.
“You’re always happy when people recognize you. And when it comes from within the industry, it’s nice. I appreciate it very much. It was a fun night,” Hale said Friday.
Hale, co-host of the “George Hale Ric Tyler Show” on WVOM 103.9-FM in Bangor, spent a healthy portion of the night chatting with the Boston Celtics TV broadcast team of Mike Gorman and Tom Heinsohn, who received a Silver Circle Award for 25 years of service.
“I reminded Tommy of the days the Celtics used to have their training camp in Ellsworth,” said Hale. “He remembered it.”
Heinsohn was a Hall of Fame player for the Celtics who went on to coach the team and move into the broadcast booth as a color analyst.
“He is Mister Celtic,” said Hale. “And Mike Gorman is a terrific guy. He couldn’t have been any friendlier.”
The 83-year-old Hale, who moved to New York City in fourth grade after spending his previous time in Florida, said he developed his interest in broadcasting at age 6.
“My family made me a microphone, and I would go outside and describe traffic jams, ambulances going by along with birds and a few other stupid creatures,” said Hale.
He tried to break into the broadcasting business in New York, but it was overcrowded, so friends suggested he look for a TV/radio gig in another town.
“I found that they had a new TV station in Bangor,” he said.
That was 1956.
He began as the morning newsman on radio with one day a week on television.
He remained a morning disc jockey and eventually became the TV sports anchor. He also added play-by-play man to his resume.
His broadcast highlights include doing play-by-play for the University of Maine’s seven College World Series appearances, the 1965 Tangerine Bowl football game, the UMaine men’s basketball team’s games during their heyday and the Black Bears’ NCAA football playoff games in recent years.
Hale has never let fame swell his ego.
“The people out there listening know just as much about sports and news as I do. The only difference is I have a microphone,” said Hale.
He enjoys working with Tyler on the early morning show and said he has no plans to retire.