NBC 6 Honors Bernie Rosen for 65 Years of Service

On Tuesday, NBC 6 celebrated one of our own. Bernie Rosen returned to the WTVJ newsroom to be honored for 65 years of distinguished service.

Flanked by his family, plus former and current NBC employees, Rosen was recognized for his accomplishments in a special presentation and video tribute.

Rosen started his career at WTVJ as an intern in 1949 – the station’s inaugural year. Working alongside fellow broadcasting legends Ralph Renick and Bob Weaver, Rosen began by shooting film and sweeping floors before soon establishing South Florida’s first local sports broadcast.

For 35 years, Rosen served as sports director, chronicling all local sports events including live coverage of the Orange Bowl, University of Miami football and wrestling. Rosen developed an exclusive relationship with Muhammad Ali – then Cassius Clay – as he trained at Miami’s 5th Street Gym.

Rosen, who turned 87 Tuesday, has covered every Miami Dolphins season, including the 1972 undefeated team, every Miami Heat season and every Miami Marlins season. He was honored with the Golden Circle Award presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for more than 50 years of service joining only Bob Weaver to receive that recognition.

Rosen hired the nation’s first female sportscaster Jane Chastain in 1967. During his tenure, he helped develop national sports personalities like Chris Myers, Roy Firestone and Suzy Kolber. He was the first to put local sports fixture Tony Segreto on the air.

After 35 years as sports director, Rosen retired to a part-time role as sports assignment editor, serving in that capacity until 2013.

Health issues have ended his career at WTVJ, but he continues to maintain a presence at many local sporting events.

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