For more than 50 years, millions of viewers tuned in to watch Dr. Frank Field (who will turn 100 on March 30, 2023), a television pioneer in the New York market, present health/science features and the weather. One of the most recognizable and beloved NYC television personalities, Dr. Field, who earned his doctorate in optometry, presented his reports via the flagship stations of NBC, CBS, and UPN networks, as well as WNYW. He was the first professional meteorologist in the early days of New York television. Dr. Field garnered many Emmy awards, honorary doctorates, and hundreds of other prestigious honors throughout his illustrious career. (He was such a well-loved broadcaster that Trendex reported Dr. Field had a ‘likeability’ score that was higher than renowned newscaster Walter Cronkite.) Tom Snyder used to introduce him as "the most beloved newscaster in television."
Having established a long friendship with NBC’s Johnny Carson, the “King of Late Night,” Dr. Field was a frequent guest on Carson’s famed Tonight Show. Carson used to kid Dr. Field by introducing him as "NBC's crack meteorologist" but Carson would also always note that Dr. Field was “the most trusted name on television.” Carson even surprised Dr. Field by popping into the studio during the weather segment of a live newscast!
Dr. Field provided his valuable perspectives and recollections as part of NAB's centennial celebration:
What inspired you to make broadcasting your career?
I did not set out to be in the media. I had the good fortune to have fallen into the spotlight while working for Albert Einstein Medical College conducting air pollution research and simultaneously serving as a forecaster for the National Weather Bureau when WNBC-TV started looking for a meteorologist to do the weekend weather reports. At the time, I was a young veteran with three small children so working at WNBC-TV was an opportunity to help make ends meet. And, since television was in its infancy, the offer was novel and intriguing. Since NBC executives wanted to establish a serious weather report and I was the first meteorologist trained by the Air Force, the adventure began!
Being the first on-air meteorologist was new and exciting and my fascination in the physical and medical sciences propelled me to expand into health and science reporting.
What broadcast television moment are you most proud to be a part of?
Over the decades there have been many moments I have been proud of. As a Health and Science reporter, one of the most important stories I did was to introduce the Heimlich maneuver to the public which has saved thousands of lives. I was so convinced of its benefits that I made it my personal crusade to see the maneuver become an accepted practice. (In fact, sportscaster Warner Wolf later saved Dr. Field’s life by using the Heimlich maneuver.)
I was also the first broadcaster to feature pioneering medical procedures including the first live surgery, a kidney transplant, in 1974. In addition, I brought much needed attention to new medical technologies such as the pacemaker, organ transplants and dialysis machines. I have been so pleased to have received thousands of thank you letters from families who benefited from these medical news reports.
What motivates you as a broadcaster?
I have always been motivated to help the public and my current passion project is promoting a free life-saving video series I created along with my children, called “FIRE Is” which depicts the reality of being caught in a building that’s on fire. Sadly, people have the idea that fires are bright, and they will be able to see their way out of a building. “FIRE IS” presents the key facts about escaping a fire: know what to do, have a plan, and do not waste time! This free program is designed for middle-school students to watch either in school or on-line at home with their parents/caregivers, thus educating two generations. The program is sponsored by the NJ FMBA ( NJ Firefighter union) – Broadcasters and organizations around the nation can help by promoting a link to njfiresafety.com to help save lives – If they need assistance in linking they can reach out to: freefiresafetyvideos@gmail.com.
Dr. Frank Field covers a roast for Johnny Carson. The video clip below includes footage of Dr. Field on the Tonight Show.
You were just glued to the screen. That song came on the radio. The best NAB Show you ever attended.
Tell us about it!