Berg's career as a communications attorney stretched back 38 years to when he went to work at the FCC. The career included stints at the NAB and large law firms. For the past seven years, he also wrote the Legal Memo column for TVNewsCheck.
Communications Atty. Michael Berg Dies At 67
Michael D. Berg, longtime communications attorney and frequent contributor to TVNewsCheck, passed away today from a heart attack. He was 67.
Berg began his career at the FCC as a staff lawyer in 1976, but soon was hired away by Covington & Burling. After five years there, he joined the National Association of Broadcasters, eventually becoming the senior associate general counsel.
In 1986, he returned to work at law firms — first at Miller & Holbrooke and then at Verner, Liifert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand.
In 2001, he struck out on his own, continuing to represent radio and TV clients before the FCC. Starting in 2007, he wrote a regular column for TVNewsCheck. Legal Memo explored all facets of communications law.
“Michael was excellent at dissecting arcane FCC rules and regulation and making sense of them,” said TVNewsCheck Editor Harry A. Jessell. “Few journalists I’ve known took as much care as he did in making sure he got everything right.
“Over the past seven years, we became good friends. I’m going to miss him.”
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He was a graduate of Syracuse University and Georgetown Law.
He is survived by his wife Linda; three daughters, Rachel, Anna, and Samantha (Seth); and two grandchildren, Giana and Kira.
Services are set for the Adas Israel Congregation (2850 Quebec St. NW) in Washington, D.C., at 10 a.m. Friday.
Comments (9)
Brett Zongker says:
July 24, 2014 at 8:11 am
A good man gone. RIP, Michael.
Victor Lee says:
July 24, 2014 at 9:53 am
I will miss you very much, Mike. Good, good friend, wonderful colleague, devoted to Linda and the girls. So sad.
Bob Brown says:
July 24, 2014 at 10:08 am
Worked together for a number of years; friends for longer. Passing comes as a real sadness.
John Stelzer says:
July 24, 2014 at 11:00 am
I had the pleasure of working on a few cases with Michael, long ago. He was always thoughtful, professional, thorough, and pleasant. Harry’s evaluation of his ability to distill complex matters into understandable terms is spot-on.
Gene Johnson says:
July 24, 2014 at 11:44 am
Very sad news. I’ve known Michael for many years and he was truly a good guy. My deepest condolences to Michael’s family on their loss. Unfortunately, I will be out of town on Friday and won’t be able to make the service.
Eloy Chairez says:
July 24, 2014 at 4:15 pm
How terribly sad. Michael was a good man and and outstanding lawyer. My sincere condolences to Michael’s family.
Jenell Pagan says:
July 24, 2014 at 4:15 pm
Michael and I worked together at the FCC many years ago. He was one of the finest people I have had the privilege to know. He looked well the last time I saw him so this comes as something of a shock.
Deanna Kennedy says:
July 25, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Sad news indeed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Terri Cumbie says:
August 1, 2014 at 10:25 am
I concur with all of the observations above. Mike and I became jogging partners over the past few years, and I relished those mornings as I absorbed his sharp and concise insights about the Supreme Court, the FCC, families, life…as we made our way around the glorious monuments in Washington, DC on those sunny mornings. Mike was an exceptional man and his loss leaves a huge void. My thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family.