Congratulations to Earl Freudenberg, who will soon be inducted into the “Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.” During his time serving our country in the Army, there is no doubt his two years working on the American Forces Network was a voice of home to all the thousands of service men and women in his listening audience. After 54 years with the reputation of having a great name in our community ranking only with the best, I’m proud to say some remarks about his career that I am personally familiar with.
With my 40 years at the Chattanooga News Free Press and 22 years serving as a member of the Hamilton County Commission, Earl’s name always ranked high in community service.
In 1981 his peers selected him as the Associated Press Broadcaster of the Year. In 1993 he was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Service to Mankind Award by the Chattanooga Sertoma Club. He achieved this with a stellar reputation of honesty and professional performance.
His service with the annual Armed Forces Day Parade was always a great asset to our community. I know that first hand because I was honored to serve with him on this project. Another annual project important to our community is The Forgotten Child Fund, which he has always given of his time and experience without exception.
The church community learned to respect Earl because they knew he could be counted on to advertise their special programs without fail. No other radio announcer covered the church projects like Earl.
Of course, I will never forget being Earl’s guest 40 times on his famous “Sound Off” program. This program had a large following, as was proven weekly by the tremendous amount of people who would call in to speak about a concern or issue they had.
Last but not least, I want to mention about my son Michael using his natural talent and unique personality to be our spokesman for the Adams Tire Center for many years. When Earl called the tire center every morning, he would come to the phone with no notes, just his personality along with Earl’s knowledge and experience, which brought to us a great number of customers.
Let me say with sincere honesty, knowing Earl as a person - honest, sincere and a great Christian gentleman would be enough reason to honor him.
Curtis D. Adams
Retired Hamilton County Commissioner
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What a pleasure to learn of Earl Freudenberg’s selection to become a member of Tennessee’s Radio Hall of Fame. Indeed, the organization made an excellent choice.
It has been a joy to observe Earl’s professional development and success in radio…his vocational choice since early in life. His unique ability to communicate with the community from behind a microphone has made him one of Chattanooga’s most beloved citizens.
His consistent voice for God and Country is especially appreciated.
Bill Knowles
County Clerk