Washington (CNN) -- Veteran sports anchor George Michael died early Thursday after a two-year battle with cancer, according to his former TV station.



Michael, 70, was known nationally for "The George Michael Sports Machine," a syndicated TV show that ran nationwide for 27 years.



He was a sports anchor on WRC-TV -- NBC's channel 4 in Washington, D.C. -- for more than 25 years.



"Michael was a prominent fixture, providing the most accurate and spirited sports news and highlights," Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty said. "He truly captured the hearts and minds of sports fans in the District and around the country."



A statement issued by the station said "George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting."



"He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller, and one of the hardest working journalists out there," the station said.



Michael retired from broadcasting in March 2007.



He is survived by his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle Allen, the station said.
What is his wife's name? What number of years was he a sports anchor? Who was he a sports anchor for? For how long was he sports anchor at NBC? What number of years did the George Michael Sports Machine show run for? How long did the show run for? Who is listed as surviving him? Who were the survivors? How long did "The George Michael Sports Machine" run for?
Pat, 27 WRC-TV more than 25 years. 27 27 years. his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle Allen, wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle Allen, 27 years.
question: What is his wife's name?, answer: Pat, | question: What number of years was he a sports anchor?, answer: 27 | question: Who was he a sports anchor for?, answer: WRC-TV | question: For how long was he sports anchor at NBC?, answer: more than 25 years. | question: What number of years did the George Michael Sports Machine show run for?, answer: 27 | question: How long did the show run for?, answer: 27 years. | question: Who is listed as surviving him?, answer: his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle Allen, | question: Who were the survivors?, answer: wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle Allen, | question: How long did "The George Michael Sports Machine" run for?, answer: 27 years.