BERNIE MACK

WMUR AM/FM/TV - WGIR AM/WNHS FM Manchester 1944-1989

Though it changed call letters a few times, Manchester native Bernard J. McGuiness basically worked for his entire career at one station.

He graduated from Central High School in 1941 and attended Harvard University. Using the air name Bernie Mack, he joined WMUR Radio in 1944 hosting one of New Hampshire's first telephone call-in programs, C.O.D. An avid jazz fan, he often brought selections from his own record collection to the station to play on his popular Radio Jukebox program. A nickel was inserted into an actual jukebox to give listeners a realistic sound effect. He hosted other music shows including Famous Bands and Bernie Mack's Hot Wax.

Bernie also hosted Puritan Date, a live interview program from the old Puritan Tea Room on Manchester's Elm Street.

When Governor Francis P. Murphy put WMUR TV on the air in March, 1954 Bernie was chosen to host the weekly Stars of Tomorrow show featuring live, local talent. In 1956 Murphy sold the radio station to Emile Girolimon who changed the call letters to WGIR. Bernie was named station manager, a position he retained when Norman Knight bought the station in 1961.

He sustained serious injuries in an auto accident in August, 1977. Bernie relinquished his duties as general manager but stayed with the station as a sales consultant.

Bernard J. McGuiness died February 1, 1989 at the age of 64.