Georges Bernard Leclere passed away on December 4, 2022. He was 78 years old. Georges died after being struck by a car while walking his dog in White Plains, NY. He leaves behind his wife Alexandra, their four children Tania, Tristan, Terence, and Talia, and six grandchildren.
George was born in Paris, France in 1944 and in 1986 moved to New York City to become the director for Press, Radio and Television for the United Nations, a position he held until 1993. But he was mostly connected to the International Council, which he joined in 1977 as executive director and then senior vice president of The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a sister organization of the U.S. Television Academies, organizing the yearly International Emmy Awards. He held this position up until 2006, when he founded the media consulting company, LGMA Inc.
Georges began his broadcasting career in Lebanon in 1968, as a producer and on-air personality for the French-speaking channels in Beirut. He anchored the 1968 Mexico Olympics for Beirut’s francophone Channel 11, and started sports news programs on Beirut francophone National Lebanese radio.
Returning to France in 1969, Georges appeared on television as a special correspondent for evening news on the ORTF Channels and, later, as head of the Sciences & Technology News department on Antenne 2, before it became France-Televisions.
In 1984 and 1985 he was anchor on TF1 of the first primetime show, TIFY, about computers and programming, and anchor and producer of the weekly Pike & Poke & Colegram. Then, for FR3, he was involved in the international co-production with U.S.-based Sesame Workshop (Children’s Television Workshop at that time), titled 3-2-1 Contact.
In June 2002 the French Government awarded Georges Leclere the medal of “Chevalier des Arts & des Lettres.”
What an interesting and distinguished career. We were all so shocked at the news of this tragic accident. I knew Georges as the husband of my lifelong friend, Alexandra. My condolences to the entire family. Georges was very special.
I am deeply saddened by this tragic loss of a dear friend of many years, and colleague. My deepest sympathy to Alexandra and their family
So very sorry to hear it. We worked together at the UN for a number of years producing successful films. My condolences to the family
My condolences to the Leclere family, George was my director my friend, a great UN staff member. A person who you could just walk in his office and he would listen to you. A D2 who would visit you even if your office was in the 2b. What a true friend. We love you George.
One of the nicest and most capable persons I met at the UN. A visionary and true humanist. This is really heartbreaking.
Chaim Litewski
How tragic! My heartfelt condolences to his family. He was an outstanding Director of the Radio and Television Division of DPI at the UN and one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of working for during my tenure there.
My shock at this terrible news. My deepest condolences to Alexandra and the kids. One of my best bosses in the UN. A great loss?May his soul Rest In Peace.
As his fellow co-Founder of Stepping Stone Edu inc. we are devasted today to hear this news! Georges was a dear friend, a scholar an all round great guy and my Mentor!! RIP Mon Ami!!! I miss you with all my heart!
A heart-breaking news. We tried together to launch Career TV in the US to support global young people. Also with John Coulson worked for Stepping Stone Edu and Patents Free program. Quiet unfortunate. A real scholar with a lot of love!!!
Georges and I have been friends since we met at the Banff International Multimedia Festival in 2008. Georges was in charge of the ward selection process and show which were always first rate. He was a very talented man and one who was deeply committed to his mother, children and grandchildren. I love to celebrate their success with Georges.
He will be sorely missed.
What a shock to learn of George’s tragic death! George was my boss, friend and colleague at the UN’s Department of Public Information and a true gentleman. May he rest in peace. My condolences to Alexandra, the kids and the rest of the family.
Shocked and saddened to learn George is gone! He was a colleague and a friend at the UN. Like many in the area of public information, we learned from George and appreciated his professional skills, knowledge and immense generosity and class. A true gentleman. Rest in Peace dear George. My condolences to his wife, children and the rest of the family..
Georges was a highly respected colleague who truly cared about the United Nations, and who was always seeking innovative ways of communicating the UN message to the world. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to his wife and family.
May He rest in peace. Georges and I were very close from his days at the United Nations where we both worked. He is an amazingly caring person.
“He was the chairman of our inaugural Canada International Film and Television Festival. I was in contact with him just a couple of days ago, inviting him and his family to participate in a film festival event. I sent many messages, but received no response. Then, I saw this message. I am truly heartbroken. He was such a remarkable, humorous, friendly, and talented person. On behalf of my family and friends, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, hoping that he is in a better place in heaven.”Demi.Z from Canada
Very wonderful man who gave me a postion at the UN overnight as the designer for the UN Chronicle. Very gentle and a great listener!