We just cracked a beer and toasted Fred Powers, the WGCL reporter who died after a long struggle with a rare form of cancer. Powers had just begun to gain some traction in the market with a signature schtick that nobody in Atlanta had tried before or has attempted since. This is from Rodney Ho’s December 2004 AJC story:
WGCL-TV reporter Fred Powers has been set on fire, bitten by dogs and hit by a Taser —- all in the name of news. No wonder he’s being dubbed the “human pinata” by TV wags.
“He is, without a doubt, the king of stunt reporters, ” said Mike James, editor of http://www.newsblues.com, a broadcast news Web site. “What he does is cool, but it’s not news.”
Or is it?
“They’re not just stunt stories, ” Powers countered. “We’re telling stories that have impact.”
Shortly after that article, Powers learned he had cancer. He last appeared on WGCL in March. He was on disability leave, but volunteered to help with coverage of the downtown tornado. WGCL broadcast excerpts in an obit Monday.
Though he’d gained some notoriety for his ratings-period live stunts, Powers was mostly a day-to-day general assignment reporter at WGCL. He covered news with a certain amount of intensity, and was a spirited and congenial competitor. And he had guts.
From WGCL’s web site: His memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church at 781 Peachtree Street.
The AJC has more on Powers’ life and his untimely passing. We offer our condolences to his family and colleagues.
Posted by locutus of borg on June 23, 2008 at 7:55 pm
I’m very sad to see this news. He was competetive as hell, but still a good guy and a joy to be around. He was a lot more than just a “stunt” reporter. He had chops, too. I’ll miss him.
Posted by Chas on June 23, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I’m echoing the previous comment. He brought a smile to everyone’s face when he came into the editorial meetings. He would make people laugh, then would have some hard news story ideas. I’ll always remember him for the happiness, smiles, and laughter he brought to others, and his commitment to making a difference in his work.
Posted by Deskie on June 23, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Fred’s website if you would like to leave a message for his family.
http://www. caringbridge. org/visit/fredfife
Posted by Wrangler of Found Light on June 23, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Fred Powers was both a great human being and journalist. He will be deeply missed…
Posted by rptrcub on June 25, 2008 at 7:08 am
It’s sad when it seems that fate takes away someone with such lust for life.
Posted by Scott Hedeen on July 15, 2008 at 7:10 pm
rest in piece Fred Powers.
The man who was made to be on TV. Working on the same stories as he was in the late 90′s… the man LOVED being on TV. God Bless him.
Posted by Chris on August 31, 2011 at 7:24 pm
I just saw a Plymouth Crossfire just now, and I remember you had bought a silver one. The car today was black, but it was enough to remind me of you. You were a very talented reporter, it was really cool meeting you at all those CBS Christmas parties, you are not forgotten bro!