Tom Snyder - A Broadcaster Who Changed The Business
His eye contact with the viewer was unbelievable. His intelligence was second to none. His listening abilities were even stronger than his penchant for hot and direct questions. Tom Snyder was a broadcast legend who changed the way people were interviewed, and led the talk show revolution into this century.
I first met Snyder during my early years in Philadelphia. He was brash , handsome and full of intensity. Tom was a newsman’s newsman, a man who showed his stuff with a clear understanding of the human spirit. He also had a great sense of humor. As he left Philadelphia to anchor in LA, he was asked about my young career. Snyder said, “Larry Kane is younger, he’s tougher, and nobody watches him.” I considered it a compliment.
Snyder’s late night shows were creative giants. No one could look into the camera and do a monologue like him. No one could get more out of an interview subject.
At what he did, Snyder was simply the best of his time.
His passing is a sad time for broadcasting and for the viewers who were enriched by his work.
I am thrilled that I got to know him.
Godspeed, T.S.!
Very sad indeed. I have great memories of his Late Late Show that followed Letterman in the late 90s. I should mention that the broadcasting world lost another pioneer this week. The man who inspired The Best Whorehouse In Texas, Marvin Zindler died of cancer as well. Both of these men changed the industry for the better. They raised the bar that everybody will hopefully continue to live up to.
Barry: I hate to be a nitpicker, but, you mean “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas”. Just thought I should clear that up.
Thank you very much. My mistake.
You’re welcome.
Tom Snyder was indeed a broadcasting legend. When I was 19, I watched his show on CNBC. Still remember him saying “Fire up a colortini and watch the pictures as they fly through the air’”. His interview style was terrific. He actually listened to his guests. His Late Late Show run was also fantastic. RIP Tom, and thanks Larry for your wonderful thoughts about this great man.