Charlie Brotman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charlie Brotman
Born	Charles Julian Brotman (1927-12-30) December 30, 1927 (age 97)
Occupation	Announcer
Known for	Serving as announcer for US presidential inauguration parades

Charles Julian Brotman, born on December 30, 1927, is an American expert in public relations and a famous announcer. He is best known for announcing the parades for 12 U.S. presidents. These parades celebrate the start of a new president's time in office. Charlie Brotman announced for presidents from Harry S. Truman to Joe Biden. The only president he did not announce for was Donald Trump.

Charlie Brotman's Early Life and Career

Growing Up and Education

Charlie Brotman grew up in Washington, D.C. His parents were immigrants from Russia. He went to McKinley Technology High School. After high school, he studied at the University of Maryland. From 1946 to 1948, he served in the U.S. Navy. Later, he attended the National Academy of Broadcasting.

Starting in Broadcasting

After finishing broadcasting school, Charlie Brotman worked in Orlando, Florida. He was a disc jockey and a sports announcer. In 1956, he met Calvin Griffith, who owned the Washington Senators baseball team. This meeting brought Brotman back to Washington, D.C. He became the announcer at Griffith Stadium for the Senators baseball team. Later, he also became the team's promotions director.

His Public Relations Company

In the 1960s, Charlie Brotman started his own public relations company. It was called Brotman|Winter|Fried. This company focused on promoting sports events. His company was later bought by Sage Communications in 2011.

He continued to announce on Opening Day for the Senators each year. This continued until the team moved to Texas in 1971. When the Washington Nationals baseball team came to the city in 2005, Brotman returned. He once again announced on Opening Day for them.

In 2015, Brotman joined LINK Strategic Partners. This company helps with communication and working with different groups. He advises them on their local community work.

Awards and Recognition

Charlie Brotman has worked in public relations and announcing for over 50 years. Because of his long career, he has been honored many times. He has been inducted into 11 different Halls of Fame. These include the Washington Hall of Fame and the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Public Relations Society of America Hall of Fame. His most recent honor was in 2014. This was at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. He was inducted into the Washington Tennis and Education Foundation Hall of Fame.

Announcing Presidential Inaugurations

First Inauguration Experience

In 1949, Charlie Brotman was a student. His teacher at the National Academy of Broadcasting suggested him for a special job. He was asked to announce for Harry S. Truman's second inauguration. This was a very important event. It was the first presidential inauguration ever shown on television.

Working with President Eisenhower

Brotman did not announce for Dwight D. Eisenhower's first inauguration. However, as the announcer for the Washington Senators, he did introduce Eisenhower. This was when the president threw out the first pitch at Griffith Stadium in 1956. Later that year, someone from the White House called Brotman. They said President Eisenhower liked his announcing. The president wanted Brotman to introduce him again at his second inauguration.

The White House staffer asked Brotman if he would charge a fee. They said their parade budget was very small. Brotman replied, "No, I would even pay you for the honor."

A Long Streak of Announcing

Charlie Brotman was the announcer for every inaugural parade in Washington, D.C. This amazing streak lasted from Eisenhower's second inauguration in 1957. It continued all the way to Barack Obama's second inauguration in 2013. Obama's second inauguration was the 15th parade Brotman announced in a row. It was his 16th overall. The parade for Ronald Reagan's second inauguration was canceled. This was because of very cold weather in 1985.

During George W. Bush's time as president, Brotman also announced at special tee ball games. These games were held on the South Lawn of the White House.

A Break in the Streak and Return

The committee for President Donald Trump's inauguration chose a different announcer. This ended Charlie Brotman's long streak. However, Brotman was chosen for another important event. He welcomed the organizers for the Women's March on Washington. This happened on January 21, 2017, the day after the inauguration.

Charlie Brotman was again chosen to be the announcer for Joe Biden's inaugural parade. This parade took place on January 20, 2021.