Eight Forty-Eight - Bill Kurtis 2.0: Rebirthing a Career

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Bill Kurtis 2.0: Rebirthing a Career

We like to think of Jimmy Carrane as our “little engine that couldn’t.” You know – he tries hard but he still hasn’t made it out of the basement. So deep down in the bowels of Studio 312 is probably one of the last places you’d expect to find the legendary Chicago news anchor, renowned pitchman and growing cultural icon Bill Kurtis. Kurtis tells Jimmy about the constraints of being a serious newsman, and also opens up for the first time about the death of his son this summer.

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Barbara E. Clark, Arlington Heights, IL // Thursday, October 15, 2009 @ 11:03 PM

I loved the interview with Bill Kurtis. I'm originally from his "neck of the woods," i.e., SE Kansas, and was living in Topeka, KS, (attending Washburn University) when, as Weather reporter on WIBW TV, Bill looked into the camera on June 8, 1966, and warned of the approaching killer tornado: "For God's Sake, Take Cover!!" I honestly believe if he had not been so serious in his warning, I would not have realized the gravity of the situation. As my home blew away overhead, I was safe in my basement, thanks to Bill's warning. I totally credit him for saving my life and the life of my cocker spaniel, Candy.