After 42-year sports broadcasting career, Fred Kalil set to retire

Veteran Atlanta TV sports broadcaster Fred Kalil is retiring on April 3 after 40-plus years in the business. A consummate lover of sports and his job, Kalil’s retirement will commence once the March Madness tournament ends.

Kalil, 64, joined 11Alive (WXIA-TV), the NBC affiliate in 1992. Prior to coming to Atlanta, Kalil worked at KTSP in Phoenix and was sports director at WISH in Indianapolis. After 22 years at 11Alive, Kalil joined Atlanta CBS affiliate, now WANF-TV. General manager of WANF-TV, Erik Schrader confirmed his pending departure, saying, “He’s moving to Arizona to be closer to family.”

An Indiana native, Kalil graduated from Indiana University and was a walk-on football player, as a linebacker under legendary coach Lee Corso. 

During his 23 years at 11Alive, Kalil won 12 Southeast Emmy awards, including six for Best Sportscaster. He also won seven Gabby Awards and AP Sportscaster of the Year awards.

Kahil also had a health challenge during his broadcasting career when he was diagnosed with a brain cyst, which he overcame.

Kalil’s colleague, former 11Alive evening anchor Brenda Wood, talked about Kalil’s “affable personality, his smile, his genuine kindness, his sports knowledge.

“Freddie is without a doubt an ATL icon, a true legend. His popularity and longevity speak volumes. I’m honored to have been a colleague,” said Woods.