Earle was working in General Electric's public-relations office when he heard that Allen Ludden would be leaving College Bowl, and that the producers were seeking a replacement.

Earle wanted the job, and his competition consisted of game-show hosts who were unfamiliar with the show's format.

Earle prepared for his audition by recording the soundtrack of a College Bowl telecast, retaining the students' answers but removing Allen Ludden's questions.

Columnist Bob Stahl wrote in TV Guide (Jan. 25, 1964), "When Earle first took over the show... a number of viewers noted his physical resemblance to Ludden.

On the weekly Gadabout Gaddis program The Flying Fisherman, Earle represented the sponsor, Liberty Mutual Insurance.