WDIV: Sportscaster. Died at 90 years old on June 8, 2016.
WXYZ: Sportscaster
Jeff Floyd, who worked closely with Al during Jeff’s career at WXYZ-TV says, “Please honor his last request… No Memorial Service… “Take Your Kids To A Ball Game.””
In The News:
- Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation – Hall of Fame Induction Honoree
References:
- Detroit Free Press – Al Ackerman Dies – June 8, 2016 (PDF)
- The Axing of Al Ackerman
References:
- The Michigan Daily – September 12, 1972
- Our Name Has Sarcastic Roots, Thanks to ‘Acid Al’ Ackerman – April 16, 2014 (PDF)
- A Great News Team – Circa 1980s at WXYZ
- Phil Nye Celebration
- WXYZ-TV Outtakes #39
A series of actual on-air outtakes from several of beloved anchors and reporters from Channel Seven. Included in this series is Dave Wittman, John Kelly, Al Ackerman and Jac LeGoff. Lots of historical footage from https://broadcastingvault.com
Recommended Reading
An in-depth and personal look at the most popular and best-remembered local shows from the golden years of Detroit TV
Long before cable, prepackaged syndication, infomercials, do-it-yourselfers, and reality shows cluttered the television dial, there was a brand of entertainment that has today nearly vanished from the airwaves: local TV. And with its colorful and quirky cast of characters, Detroit TV arguably offered some of the best of the best of local programming anywhere in the nation-a smorgasbord of exuberant, one-of-a-kind television shows.
Based on actual interviews with the people who made Detroit TV, Gordon Castelnero’s TV Land-Detroit awakens the emotional attachment and nostalgia our community has for these shows, bringing the beloved characters and memorable programs back to life.
From the glamorous Rita Bell to the insanity of the Ghoul, the zany Jingles in Boofland to the opinionated and often confrontational Lou Gordon and the gruff-voiced and somnolent George Pierrot, Castelnero reacquaints us with the talent and behind-the-scenes people, of the creative spirit in Detroit, and the intimacy they shared with the community both on and off the air.
Gordon Castelnero was a producer at WNIC radio for four years. He produced the acclaimed documentaries for WDIV and WTVS, Michigan, It Started Here! Michigan and the American Dream, and Titanic: The Final Chapter. He currently lives in Livonia, Michigan, and works at Technicolor in DVD and game media distribution.
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