> > I remember first seeing Mr. Beutel on WABC-TV's "The Big
> > News," which predates
> > "Eyewitness News." He was paired with Jim Byrnes and they
> > anchored behind two
> > speakers podiums. It followed "The Big Show," which ran
> old
> > movies.
> > Bill also was an anchor on the ABC Entertainment Radio
> > Network, doing a mid afternoon BOH newscast. An icon who
> > will be missed.
> > My condolences.
> >
> I was a huge fan of Eyewitness News growing up in the 70's &
> 80's. Grimsby & Beutel were great as a team. I am saddened
> to hear about his passing.
> I was able to watch Ch. 7's tribute to him, which was
> fantastic. I also watched Ch. 4 & 11's tribute on line (I
> live in Atlanta, but due to a waiver, I get 5 & 7 out of
> NY). I'm curious to know what the other tributes were like.
> I thought 4's was excellent- especially having former
> colleague David Ushery do it. I was a bit surprised that Ch.
> 11's tribute did not include any comments from either Kaity
> Tong or Sal Marchiano.
>
> Any comments?
>
It's very sad. He was one of the last great class-act newsmen. I still remember his last episode. I was fortunate to see all the tributes on 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, since I'm an avid channel surfer. He was well respected by so many people. There were even brief tributes on 8 and 20 in New Haven County, CT. It was almost too surreal though to see Peter Jennings commenting on the ritirement of Beutel a few years ago. He left a giant legacy, and will be sadly missed.