Here's the written word on the "Spoken Word" . . .
Take the broadcast talents of a CNN news anchor; the education of a Ph.D. in marriage, family and human development; the literary skills it takes to write a half-dozen books; add an energetic and warm personality and you have Lloyd Newell, announcer for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Newell, 48, has been doing the "Spoken Word" and announcing duties with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for 14 years this November.
"It's a church calling," Newell said, debunking a common misconception about the "Spoken Word" position. "You have to audition for it. . . . I'm not paid."
He personally writes many of the inspirational messages used in the broadcasts, but also currently relies on a few other writers, too.
The high quality of the people he works with on the broadcasts, he says, is the high point of the volunteer work.
"Also, to be a part of something that has such a historic legacy," Newell said. "It's such an honor and privilege."
In July, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir presented its 3,910th broadcast from "the Crossroads of the West," marking its 75th anniversary of the continuous airing of "Music and the Spoken Word." No other radio or television program has come close to that milestone — making it the longest continuous network broadcast.
"The music is the star of the program," Newell said, noting that he regularly meets with choir conductor Craig Jessop and others to coordinate the music and "Spoken Word" themes.
He travels with the choir and is only the third person to be their announcer in those 75 years.
"Music and the Spoken Word" is viewed by millions of people each week, making Newell one of the most well-known members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the nation.
"I think he's a remarkable man in so many ways," Jessop said. "He brings a unique perspective of universal wisdom to his position with the 'Spoken Word.' . . . I couldn't ask for a better colleague and friend."
Before his Tabernacle Choir work, Newell anchored CNN Headline News in Atlanta, Ga., on weekends. He had also been a news broadcaster in other states, as well as a professional speaker at seminars on topics ranging from communications to organization to human relations and leadership.
Add his choir travel to his professional speaking schedule and it equaled a lot of work on the road. That's a major reason why he completed his doctorate in 1999 and took a job at Brigham Young University, teaching for the religion faculty and also in family life.
"It's blessing to be at BYU," he said. "I used to just live on the road."
Working in TV news also didn't deal with the most positive of subject matter. It was also "rip and read," and throw away the dated newscast after the show. With that kind of orientation, it was hard for him not to be discouraged about life.
In contrast, on the "Spoken Word," Newell said he works with inspirational thoughts — all positive — and after the show the words still ring true.
"It's all positive. That's why it's been on the air for so long," he said.
Writing the "Spoken Word" is a challenge, he admits. It's not the written word or the essay word. It must be a message that's simple and easy to understand and also not an "in-your-face" kind of delivery. He strives to make each message an inspirational gem, as LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley has suggested.
He reads what he writes out loud to his wife and practices it a lot before each actual Sunday broadcast.
"It's so fulfilling to write and deliver a message that comes from your heart," he said.
Time required for the "Spoken Word" varies from week to week. It can be as little as five hours or as much as 25 hours.
He also admits his widespread recognition can be hard to handle sometimes in his personal life. Still, he receives correspondence from many fans of the program.
An Orem High graduate, Newell still lives in Utah County, with his wife and their four children. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from BYU in communications, but it almost didn't end up that way. He was initially headed for a law degree and some sort of political career. His doctorate five years ago was another change in direction.
Newell's hobbies include reading and family activities together — hiking, tennis, etc. Some of his books include "The Divine Connection," "May Peace Be with You, This Day . . . and Always" and "When Ye Shall Receive These Things."
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com