Richard Hyatt: The circle of life

Jimmy Carter had no voice when Norm Woodel interviewed him, and more than 40 years later the former WRBL newsman spoke on behalf of Jason Carter.

Such is the circle of life in broadcasting and politics, and Woodel has tasted both worlds.

He was a young reporter at TV3 when News Director Dick McMichael sent him to Atlanta to do a story on Gov. Jimmy Carter -- a heady assignment for a rookie reporter.

Woodel is 63 years old and until recently he had never shared what happened on that assignment. That came up during a recent conversation with Tom Crawford of The Georgia Report. Crawford called to ask about some work he did for the gubernatorial campaign of Carter's grandson.

His interview with Jimmy came in the era of film, when television reporters lugged around monstrous cameras, served as their own photographer and, despite the heavy lifting, they weren't supposed to sweat or have a hair out of place.

"I took the TV station artist with me so she could run the camera," he told Crawford. "We did a 10-minute film interview -- I felt really good about it -- got back to Columbus and discovered she forgot to turn on the sound. I like to joke and say I did the first silent interview with Jimmy Carter."

This was what nightmares are made of, akin to a reporter doing a standup without any pants. A resourceful Woodel aired his story about the state budget without the governor saying a word. His voice provided the only sound.

He couldn't imagine that four decades later he would still be making money off his expressive voice. Today he works out of Chicago where he's in demand as a voice-over talent and actor.

Crawford called to ask about his work on a 60-second spot created by Jason Carter's campaign to retaliate against attack ads produced for incumbent Nathan Deal by the Republican Governor's Association.

Carter's agency was familiar with Woodel because of his memorable narration on a Hillary Clinton ad in her 2008 race for president. His chilling voice said: "It's 3 a.m. and your children are safe and asleep. But there's a phone ringing in the White House. Something is happening in the world Who do you want answering the phone?"

And whose voice do you want on your TV spot?

-- Richard Hyatt is an independent correspondent. Reach him at hyatt31906@knology.net.

This story was originally published September 20, 2014 at 11:40 PM with the headline "Richard Hyatt: The circle of life."