For some inexplicable reason as an 8-year-old growing up in Seattle, Glenn Beck knew about Rockefeller Plaza. He knew that’s where the pioneers of radio got their start. Last night, in celebration of his own 30 years in broadcasting, the radio and TV host was honored in the very building he once dreamed of working.
The GE Building’s Rainbow Room was filled with family and friends and colleagues from Beck’s two employers, Premiere Radio and CNN Headline News.
A video retrospective produced by his Headline News team featured clips from Beck’s early days in radio; from his Seattle basement to stations across the country, with handles including B104 and Z95.
The video culminated with congratulations from Rush Limbaugh, Nancy Grace, and Anderson Cooper, among others. Upon learning the party was a celebration of Beck’s 30 years in broadcasting, a figure that astonished Cooper, the CNN anchor joked, “I’ve been in this business 15 years and I’m about to have a complete breakdown.”
Beck, known for being passionate on the air, became very emotional, even pausing a few times to compose himself. He talked about the legends of the business who broadcast “from this very room” and how it was “a dream come true” to be doing what he is doing. “This is not a party for me, but for all of you,” said Beck.
(Photos/Chris Ariens)