Bill Handel
Encyclopedia
Handel currently hosts two radio programs on KFI
KFI
KFI is an AM radio station in Los Angeles, California. It received its license to operate on March 31, 1922 and began operating on April 16, 1922 as one of the United States' first high-powered, "clear-channel" stations...
in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
. First is KFI's local morning show, in which he comments on current events. The program is one of the top rated morning program in the Los Angeles market, with over 1 million listeners. Additionally, he hosts a legal advice show on weekends called Handel on the Law, which is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks
Premiere Radio Networks
Premiere Networks is an American radio network. It is the largest syndication company in the United States based on popularity of programming...
and heard on over 150 stations. Handel's legal show is currently his longest running radio program to date. In early 2010, The Bill Handel Show replaced Dr. Laura
Laura Schlessinger
Laura Catherine Schlessinger is an American talk radio host, socially conservative commentator and author. Her radio program consists mainly of her responses to callers' requests for personal advice and has occasionally featured her short monologues on social and political topics...
when she ended her syndicated show. Both of Handel's shows played across the United States on America's Talk
America's Talk
America's Talk is a news and talk radio channel on XM Satellite Radio, launched on 2007-11-19 on channel 158 and moved to 166 on 2011-05-04. Much like its sister talk channel XM Talk 168, it is a general news/talk focused channel. It was programmed by Sean Compton until 2008-04-01, in Cincinnati,...
channel 158 on XM Satellite Radio
XM Satellite Radio
XM Satellite Radio is one of two satellite radio services in the United States and Canada, operated by Sirius XM Radio. It provides pay-for-service radio, analogous to cable television. Its service includes 73 different music channels, 39 news, sports, talk and entertainment channels, 21 regional...
. On February 22, 2010, the afternoon show was replaced by The Bill Carroll Show.
Biography
Handel was born in Brazil, to Leo and Nechama Handel. His father Leo Handel was a Polish Jew who had hidden in a Jesuit monastery and lived as a Catholic priest during World War II. Much of the Handel family lost their lives in the Holocaust. Leo applied to emigrate to the United States legally, and was forced to wait for eleven years to obtain entry. During this time he lived in Brazil where he met and married his wife, Nechama, a dentist. Handel emigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was six and was sworn in as a U.S. citizen at the age of eleven.He spent the remainder of his formative years growing up in the San Fernando Valley, the northern portion of the City of Los Angeles. He attended Cal State Northridge
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Northridge is a public university in Northridge, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California, United States....
, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Political Science. He then earned his J.D.
Juris Doctor
Juris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
from Whittier Law School
Whittier Law School
Whittier Law School is a law school in Costa Mesa, California. Founded in 1966, it is a fully accredited ABA law school in Orange County, California. A private university, it is part of Whittier College.-History:...
.
Before beginning his talk radio career, he provided legal counsel for some of the ground breaking cases establishing the bounds in the field of surrogate parenting, including the writing of one of the earliest surrogate parenting contracts ever written, and helping establish many of the legal precedents of the field.
Handel is the director of the Center for Surrogate Parenting, which helps childless couples have children through surrogacy. The company has offices in California and Maryland and has clients from all over the world.
Handel is known to refer to himself as a "Latino Jew". Although he makes fun of his own heritage, and all stereotypes, one of his more serious and memorable excursions involved taking white supremacist John Metzger to Auschwitz to view the concentration camps and the gas chamber
Gas chamber
A gas chamber is an apparatus for killing humans or animals with gas, consisting of a sealed chamber into which a poisonous or asphyxiant gas is introduced. The most commonly used poisonous agent is hydrogen cyanide; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide have also been used...
where his grandfather was executed. The German government originally thought that KFI was a neo-Nazi radio station and did not want to allow the trip, but finally relented after being presented with more information.
Handel generally expresses a centrist viewpoint, with support for some civil liberties
Civil liberties
Civil liberties are rights and freedoms that provide an individual specific rights such as the freedom from slavery and forced labour, freedom from torture and death, the right to liberty and security, right to a fair trial, the right to defend one's self, the right to own and bear arms, the right...
and reduction of wasteful government spending and excessive taxation, while still denouncing civilian ownership of firearms, and supporting federally funded embryonic stem-cell research.
He has hosted his own television show, Judge For Yourself, which was canceled due to low ratings and the lack of time in Handel's schedule. Judge For Yourself was unique in that it solicited comments from a 900 number, whose results would be broadcast on the next day's show. He also served as a fill-in host on Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck (TV program)
Glenn Beck is a United States cable news show hosted by Glenn Beck that aired weekdays on Fox News Channel. The program, originally on CNN Headline News , premiered on FNC on January 19, 2009 and aired weekdays at 5:00 PM EST...
, when it aired on CNN Headline News.
He underwent bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery includes a variety of procedures performed on people who are obese. Weight loss is achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with an implanted medical device or through removal of a portion of the stomach or by resecting and re-routing the small intestines...
at Centinela Freeman Hospital to lose weight. Handel's experiences with this surgical procedure have been thoroughly documented in a series of segments on his morning radio show. Handel has also openly discussed his previous drug addiction.
Handel is married to Marjorie Handel, and has twin daughters named Pamela and Barbara. His brother, Mark W. Handel is a real estate development professional at MWH Development in the greater Los Angeles area.
Handel is also a blue belt in kempo karate and attends classes several days a week.
Radio work
The Bill Handel Show airs 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. in Los Angeles and is heavily news based. The first hour is primarily banter of Handel's personal life, letters to the show, and softer topics he finds interesting. He might take one or two calls during this time. The second hour is a more comprehensive look at the news entitled Handel on the News. This is a summary of the news delivered with Handel's commentary with appropriate music cues starting each story and playing "under" his delivery. In the third and fourth hour, Handel often has guests to discuss topics in the news. Otherwise, Handel will cover a single news story or item of interest for a half hour, summarizing various other perspectives and offering his own opinion. Handel on the News: Late Edition airs at 8:30 a.m., is a condensed version of the 6 a.m. hour, and includes stories not covered in the earlier version. The show is often the top-rated morning show in Los Angeles. As of Spring 2009, he is ranked first 12+ by the ArbitronArbitron
Arbitron is a consumer research company in the United States that collects listener data on radio audiences. It was founded as American Research Bureau by Jim Seiler in 1949 and became national by merging with L.A. based Coffin, Cooper and Clay in the early 1950s...
audience research service. Legal stories and stories of hoaxes often pique Handel's interest. Parodies of events in the news are played during the show. All voices are done by Handel and his sidekicks, newsman Gary Hoffmann, producer Michelle Kube, sports anchor Rich Marotta
Rich Marotta
Rich Marotta is an American sportscaster in Los Angeles, California. He was the color analyst for the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL alongside Bob Miller, the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders of the NFL, and Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. He currently calls boxing on Fox Sports Net television, pay per...
, and board operator Todd Wilson.
On his Saturday show, Handel on the Law, he gives terse "marginal legal advice" designed to point callers in the right direction. He often makes fun of callers for getting themselves into their legal predicament, stating bluntly "you have absolutely no case." Still, the show is informative in that it deals with many common legal problems, such as landlord
Landlord
A landlord is the owner of a house, apartment, condominium, or real estate which is rented or leased to an individual or business, who is called a tenant . When a juristic person is in this position, the term landlord is used. Other terms include lessor and owner...
-tenant
Leasehold estate
A leasehold estate is an ownership of a temporary right to land or property in which a lessee or a tenant holds rights of real property by some form of title from a lessor or landlord....
, child custody
Child custody
Child custody and guardianship are legal terms which are used to describe the legal and practical relationship between a parent and his or her child, such as the right of the parent to make decisions for the child, and the parent's duty to care for the child.Following ratification of the United...
, and divorce in an easy-to-understand way.
From September 8, 2009 to February 12, 2010, Handel aired an additional show from noon to 2 p.m. on KFI after Dr. Laura Schlessinger moved to new Los Angeles talk station KFWB. Handel's afternoon show was syndicated to a handful of affiliates, though Premiere Radio Networks
Premiere Radio Networks
Premiere Networks is an American radio network. It is the largest syndication company in the United States based on popularity of programming...
did not aggressively market the show (it aired opposite of the much more prominent The Sean Hannity Show
The Sean Hannity Show
The Sean Hannity Show is a talk radio show hosted by Sean Hannity on Citadel Media and Premiere Radio Networks. The program is broadcast live every weekday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m...
, also a Premiere product). Handel quit the show after five months, citing a feeling of being overwhelmed, and passed on the microphone to Scots-Canadian Bill Carroll.
On September 11, 2001, Handel was on air live when the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center took place. Most Clear Channel music stations switched over to a live feed of Handel's show as news reports and further attacks unfolded. Rush Limbaugh's show
The Rush Limbaugh Show
The Rush Limbaugh Show is an American talk radio show hosted by Rush Limbaugh on Premiere Radio Networks...
normally follows The Bill Handel Show on KFI. Not only was Limbaugh
Rush Limbaugh
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III is an American radio talk show host, conservative political commentator, and an opinion leader in American conservatism. He hosts The Rush Limbaugh Show which is aired throughout the U.S. on Premiere Radio Networks and is the highest-rated talk-radio program in the United...
on a plane heading to a golf tournament that day, but telecommunications systems were devastated in New York, where his show emanates. Because KFI is the West Coast flagship of Limbaugh's EIB Network, Handel continued to broadcast for another three hours, taking the place of The Rush Limbaugh Show on most stations in the country (as well as the taped broadcast for Armed Forces Radio overseas). This led Handel to guest host on two more occasions on The Rush Limbaugh Show, and showcased his skills at hosting a nationally syndicated show.
Awards and honors
On September 23, 2005, Handel was named Major Market Personality of the Year at the 2005 NAB Marconi Radio AwardsNAB Marconi Radio Awards
The Marconi Radio Awards are presented annually by the National Association of Broadcasters to the top radio stations and on-air personalities in the United States. The awards are named in honor of Guglielmo Marconi, the man generally credited as the "Father of Wireless Telegraphy." NAB member...
for his KFI show. During his acceptance speech, Handel said, “I haven’t been this affected since my circumcision. Seriously, I’m proud and honored to be singled out for this incredible award.” On March 15, 2008 he was honored with Local News/Talk/Sports Personality of the Year by industry trade publication Radio and Records for the third time, his second being in 2007, and the first in 2005.
The alumni association of his alma mater, Whittier Law School awarded him the Humanitarian of the Year Award April 25, 2009. Handel says he has no idea why he was given this award. On June 19, 2008, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Walk of Fame Committee announced that Handel would be one of 25 to receive a Star on the Walk of Fame in June 2009. His star was revealed on June 12, 2009, and is located at 6640 Hollywood Boulevard.
Controversy
In 1996, Asian-American leaders called for Handel's resignation after making comments about Kristi YamaguchiKristi Yamaguchi
Kristine Tsuya "Kristi" Yamaguchi-Hedican is an American figure skater. She is the 1992 Olympic Champion in ladies' singles. Yamaguchi also won two World Figure Skating Championships in 1991 and 1992 and a U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1992. She won one junior world title in 1988 and two...
and Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Wingshan Kwan is an American figure skater. She is a two-time Olympic medalist, a five-time World champion and a nine-time U.S...
. Handel was quoted as saying; "And when I look at a box of Wheaties, all right? I don't want to see eyes that are like all slanted and Oriental and almond shaped. I want American eyes looking at me." Handel apologized, claiming that he was mocking bigotry. In March 2004, Handel made jokes about Muslims not bathing, hating Jews, and practicing bestiality; KFI was forced to apologize.
On January 12, 2006, Handel joked that pilgrims should hire traffic reporters to reduce the possibility of deadly incidents during the Hajj
Incidents during the Hajj
There have been many serious incidents during the Hajj that in total have caused the loss of thousands of lives. Every follower of Islam is requested to visit Mecca during the Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime, but only if they can afford or able to do so...
. The Council on American-Islamic Relations
Council on American-Islamic Relations
The Council on American-Islamic Relations is America's largest Muslim civil liberties advocacy organization that deals with civil advocacy and promotes human rights...
demanded an apology. Handel offered to apologize on the condition that CAIR would denounce terrorism, agree that Israel is a sovereign country, and claim it does not have ties with terrorists. CAIR did not take him up on his offer. Handel refused to apologize to CAIR, but did apologize to the actual victims of the Hajj stampede.
Shortly after the Hajj incident, Michelle Kube began to close each show with an all-encompassing apology covering nearly every group mentioned during the course of the show. It is intended to be funny and draw attention to the numerous groups and individuals who Handel makes reference to who might be offended. The apology closes with the statement "and any and all...groups that might possibly have been offended during the broadcast of this show." Handel on the News, KFI OnDemand, October 18, 2007
On December 15, 2006, KFI suspended Handel for one week after an on-air shouting match with Jamie White
Jamie White
Jamie White is an American radio personality and actress who is most notable for having hosted mornings on KYSR Star 98.7 in Los Angeles for nearly nine years...
on KYSR
KYSR
KYSR is a commercial modern rock radio station in Los Angeles, California, covering the Los Angeles, Orange County, and Inland Empire areas on 98.7 FM. KYSR is also simulcasted on KSRY 103.1 FM in Tehachapi, California...
. White allegedly told one of Handel's daughters to "get out" of the studio. He later apologized, claiming he lost his temper and had overreacted without having all the facts. Jamie White later said publicly as a guest on KLSX 97.1 that she understood Handel's reaction as a parent and that she and Handel had seen each other months later at a radio event and "were fine."
On May 13, 2009, Handel commented on a show about health care that the U.S. government should "euthanize old people" "sell Glendale to get rid of the Armenians." and "get rid of the Irish and the Italians too" This comment was followed up the next day when a listener sent a letter requesting an apology for the remarks he made. After reading his letter aloud, his board operator, Lara Hermanson, joked that "what the Turks started, Bill will finish" referencing the Armenian Genocide
Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide—also known as the Armenian Holocaust, the Armenian Massacres and, by Armenians, as the Great Crime—refers to the deliberate and systematic destruction of the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire during and just after World War I...
. KFI AM 640 Program Director Robin Bertolucci has apologized and maintained that Handel was "clearly engaging in parody and hyperbole to point out the absurdity of genocide as a solution to rising health care costs. No one was actually advocating hatred against Armenians. The comments were obviously said in jest, in the same breath with advocating euthanasia for the elderly and genocide for the Jews. The comments made were solely mocking the idea of genocide and weren't intended to be about Armenians anymore than they were about euthanasia for the elderly." On June 11, 2009, a formal apology was issued by Handel and Lara Hermanson for the comments.