Broadcaster Earl Freudenberg Honored At Surprise Luncheon

Members of the Tennessee General Assembly honored broadcaster Earl Freudenberg on Monday with a special surprise luncheon at the Rib and Loin in Hixson. 

 

Joining State Senator Todd Gardenhire and State Rep. Robin Smith were fellow broadcasters and friends. 

 

The State Senate cited Mr.

Freudenberg for his community work in addition to his nearly 55 years in broadcasting.  While in Chattanooga radio Mr. Freudenberg was an announcer, news director, talk show host and worked in just about every aspect of radio.  Mr. Freudenberg served on the Armed Forces Week committee and Forgotten Child Fund Board for over 30 years.

 

Also on hand were Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and Deputy Chief Austin Garrett.  They cited Mr. Freudenberg's many years of raising thousands of dollars to help purchase toys for needy children.  Sheriff Hammond recalled his being on Sunday Morning Sound Off after Sheriff H.Q. Evatt named him chief deputy. 

 

Deputy Chief Garrett, from Bryant, Ala., said he and his family listened to Earl while growing up.  Chattanooga City Court Judge Russell Bean said he had known Earl for most of his career and hoped someday he would write a book of his broadcasting experiences. 

 

David Schonhoff, pastor of Central Church of Christ and longtime friend of Earl's, gave the invocation.   Retired WDEF TV program director Doris Ellis said Earl was a very positive person and never talked down to people.   Earl's wife Julie, daughter Amy and sister-in-law Joy Chapman were present.  Gene and Stephen Pike presented Earl with a beautiful bouquet of Mr. Lincoln roses, Earl's favorite.

 

Organizers Ben Cagle and David Carroll told “Hey Earl” some of the guys were getting together for lunch.  Mr. Freudenberg said he was caught totally by surprise when close buddy Cagle told him the luncheon was in his honor.  Mr. Cagle said he graduated from high school at Kirkman with Earl in 1965.  David Carroll talked about Earl coming in to his family store when he was nine on his way to emcee a Gospel Singing.  Chattanoogan.com publisher John Wilson noted Earl's love for news and his fairness. 

 

Mr. Freudenberg started in broadcasting in Chattanooga in 1962 at the old WAPO.  He worked for WDOD, WDEF and WDYN.  Mr. Freudenberg also served at the American Forces Network in Europe in the early 70’s.  He has been inducted into three hall of fames - The Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame, Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame and Tri State Gospel music Association Hall of Fame.  He was named Associated Press broadcaster of the year in 1981. 

 

Mr. Freudenberg retired in 2016, but does volunteer work for WDYN Radio and Chattanoogan.com.