Former CHRB chairman Nicholaw dies at 86

George Nicholaw, a commissioner and chairman of the California Horse Racing Board in the 1990s and one of the most respected broadcasting executives in state history, died last Saturday at age 86, according to a report on Los Angeles radio station KNX, where Nicholaw worked as general manager for 36 years.

Nicholaw served two four-year terms on the CHRB, from 1992-2000. For the final year of his tenure, he was the board’s chairman.

Nicholaw first worked in television news for CBS, then switched to radio. During his time as general manager, KNX won numerous journalism awards, including the Peabody Award. Nicholaw contributed with on-air editorials on all manner of hot-button issues. He also allowed for those with opposing viewpoints to pen and read on-air responses.