John Michael Early

J. Michael Early, Sr. died on August 26, 2015 in his home. He was 99 years old. Born May 31, 1916 in New Orleans, LA, he graduated from St. Peter and Paul Elementary School, Jesuit High School (Class of 1933), Loyola University (1936) and Loyola University School of Law (1939). He is the father of and survived by Mike Early (Mavis), Robert P. Early (Dottie, dec.), Leah Held (Ronald), Maureen Dehon (Patrick), Thomas B. Early (Chrisie), Brian G. Early (Charlene), Colleen Hoover (Byron), Kevin Marian Early (dec.),Therese Larrabee (Jim), Kathleen Devaughn (Mac), and Patricia Laird (Jim, dec.). He is grandfather of 30 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Judge Thomas A. Early, Jr. and sister, Jacqueline Garic. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Leah Mae Cohen; parents, Thomas A. Early, Sr. and Rose M. Parrillo; sisters Claire Rosenmeier, Margaret Durel, Rosemary Ward, & Patsy Sipos; brother, J.D. Early. J. Michael Early practiced Labor Relations law with Charles Logan for 21 years before accepting the position of General Manager of WWL-TV. Mike Early helped build WWL-TV Channel 4 into a broadcasting powerhouse as its president and general manager during an amazing 37 year tenure, a tenure unprecedented in longevity in American television broadcasting history. Though his name and face may not have been known to many in the audience, after nearly four decades at the helm, Mr. Early was widely credited with leading the station to the top position in local news, programming and sales it has held since the 1970s. “When speaking of his beloved Channel 4, he always said it’s bigger than one person,” said Todd Smith, WWL-TV’s current president and general manager. “And that is something he truly believed. He never sought personal recognition, but if you strip away everything, at WWL’s foundation you will find one man and one vision --- J. Michael Early.” In a 1994 article commenting on his impact, The Times-Picayune surmised: “Channel 4 is Channel 4 because of Early, whose instinctive programming and personnel touch are the stuff of broadcasting legend.” Over the years, the newspaper and Mr. Early’s colleagues in the local industry commented on what The Times-Picayune called his “loyalty-inspiring leadership, uncanny programming instincts and people skills, and unwavering commitment to local newscasting excellence.” WWL has consistently been one of the top-ranked CBS affiliates in the nation, a market leader recognized for its news, sales, programming and community service efforts. In the late 1980s, Mike Early spearheaded the purchase of the television station from Loyola University by a group of employee owners. The formation of that ownership group, known as Rampart Broadcasting, meant station employees became stockholders and owners, something that was unheard of in media circles. In 1994, he oversaw the sale of the station for $110 million to the Belo Corporation. Under Mr. Early’s leadership, WWL-TV created the first local 24-hour cable news station, NewsWatch on Channel 15, now available in five metropolitan area parishes. During Mike Early’s tenure, WWL won two national Edward R. Murrow Awards for overall excellence, five George Foster Peabody Awards for journalism, two Overseas Press Club awards, two Alfred P. Sloan Awards, and several Emmy awards for local programming, in addition to many local and regional honors. The news directors Mr. Early handpicked to lead the Eyewitness News newsroom during his tenure give him much of the credit. “Four news directors the past 25 years have all been credited with making some pretty good decisions,” said former news director Joe Duke in a 1998 article. “What have all four news directors had in common? Mike Early as their general manager.” Colleagues say Mr. Early’s management and personnel skills, though often no-nonsense, were also legendary. When Mr. Early retired, assistant station manager Phil Johnson commented in an on-air editorial that Mr. Early likely heard more confessions at the Rampart Street studios than the Jesuits did in their church on Baronne Street. “He had such a keen sense of business and such a keen sense of human relations. He had such a knack for recognizing talent and understanding people,” said former WWL colleague John Pela. Throughout his career at Channel 4, Mr. Early also built the station into a community force. In recent years, the station’s image, reflecting the “Spirit of Louisiana,” and its commitment to public service and support for charitable causes and non-profit institutions matched this sense of community. The station was honored by three former U.S. Presidents for its commitment to public service. A former president of the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, Mr. Early was one of the founders of the Greater New Orleans Broadcasters Association. He was honored and recognized by his peers in the industry many times during his long career. In 1993, he was the first inductee into the GNOBA’s New Orleans Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The Press Club of New Orleans awarded him its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994. A loyal and generous supporter, both personally and professionally, of St. Michael Special School and the Carmelite nuns, he was also honored as Jesuit High School’s Alumnus of the Year in 1990. During World War II he served in the Pacific Theatre as a commissioned officer/medic in the U.S. Maritime Service. Visitation will be held from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church 3368 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, LA A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration will be offered at 11:00 a.m. also at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 3368 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, LA, Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. Celebrant. Inexpressible thanks for their genuine love, care and comfort-giving to our father to Janice Coleman, Valencia Coleman, Barbara Martin, Pearl Wyman & Kate Wordsworth. They have been very special members of our family for the past 8 years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Special School, Jesuit High School or the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 73530 River Road, Covington, LA 70435-2206.