DCRTV.com is reporting that legendary sportscaster George Michael, who was well-known nationally for his syndicated program “The George Michael Sports Machine,” and beloved in D.C. for his work with NBC4/WRC, has passed away at the age of 70. Michael had been battling cancer for two years. A Channel 4 reporter confirmed the news to the Washington Post this morning. The last time we saw Michael regularly anchoring sports on D.C.’s airwaves was in March…

Tonight, George Michael, by far Washington’s best known and most dynamic sports reporter, leaves his post at Channel 4. The move, announced in November, comes amid a swath of cutbacks at NBC which claimed fellow sportscaster Wally Bruckner along with Susan Kidd, Arch Campbell, I.J. Hudson and Clay Anderson. While Michael was offered a generous deal to stay, it would have come at the cost of cutting half his staff. After 27 years at Channel…

While you were busy reveling in November sweeps cliff-hangers and specials, the shape of local news was being transformed. With familiar faces leaving, editorial staffs shrinking and other assorted wackiness, it’s been a busy month for D.C.’s media bigwigs. We’re here with the highlights for those who still supplement their fake news with homegrown headlines. The first hint of the month-long mix-up came when Channel 4’s sports institution George Michael declined to renew his contract….

>> Is that a branch of Rock Creek or is Q St. just happy to see us? It’s wet out there and many D.C. streets and sidewalks are swelling over. Parts of our area are still under siege from a storm front that turned deadly in N.C . A flash flood and tornado watch for D.C. should expire at 6 p.m., but don’t expect to find completely dry conditions on the commute home. Elsewhere, Stafford,…

It’s just not a good time to be in local media. The Post has had its share of labor disputes and forced resignations, WJLA has been accused of ignoring worker rights, and now unionized employees at NBC 4 might go on strike. The Washington Business Journal yesterday reported that 2,500 workers at four NBC Universal-owned television stations, local affiliate NBC 4 included, have voted to authorize a strike over a contract that expired in March…