Legendary KTLA Anchorman Hal Fishman, the longest-running anchor in television history, and a presence in Los Angeles broadcasting for nearly five decades that many in the city grew up knowing and trusting, has died at the age of 75. Hal's strong connection with Southern Californians, along with his journalistic integrity, made him one of the brightest stars in KTLA's 60-year history.
Hal fell ill last week due to a serious infection. While being treated for the infection, doctors discovered he had colon cancer, which had spread to his liver. The condition proved fatal.
Messages of condolence came from many places. The Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Jounalists said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the death of long-time KTLA anchor Hal Fishman. Hal was an icon in Los Angeles news, and his depth of knowledge and presence is unparalleled."
"Hal was an icon for reporting fair and balanced news," L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said in his words of condolance. "Our prayers go to his wife and son."
Hal was on track for a career as a college professor when television station KCOP invited him to teach an on-air class in politics in 1960. He agreed, and "American Political Parties in Politics" became so successful that the station asked him back to anchor his own segment on the news. Hal made the jump to KTLA in 1965, the year of the Watts riots. His coverage of that event helped KTLA win an Emmy and a Peabody Award.
Hal fell ill last week due to a serious infection. While being treated for the infection, doctors discovered he had colon cancer, which had spread to his liver. The condition proved fatal.
Messages of condolence came from many places. The Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Jounalists said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the death of long-time KTLA anchor Hal Fishman. Hal was an icon in Los Angeles news, and his depth of knowledge and presence is unparalleled."
"Hal was an icon for reporting fair and balanced news," L.A. County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said in his words of condolance. "Our prayers go to his wife and son."
Hal was on track for a career as a college professor when television station KCOP invited him to teach an on-air class in politics in 1960. He agreed, and "American Political Parties in Politics" became so successful that the station asked him back to anchor his own segment on the news. Hal made the jump to KTLA in 1965, the year of the Watts riots. His coverage of that event helped KTLA win an Emmy and a Peabody Award.
