Hal Fishman

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Hal Fishman
Born August 25, 1931
Birth place Brooklyn, New York
Died August 7, 2007 (aged 75)
in Los Angeles, California
Circumstances
Occupation TV News Anchor
Spouse Nolie Fishman
Children David Walsh
Religious belief(s) None
Notable credit(s) KTLA News (10PM) anchor
(1975–2007)

Hal Fishman (August 25, 1931 – August 7, 2007) was the longest-running news anchor in the history of American television,[1] having served on-air for Los Angeles television stations continuously between 1960 and his death in 2007. He was also a record-holding aviator.

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[edit] Biography

A Brooklyn native, he received his Bachelor's degree from Cornell University where he worked at the campus radio station. He also received a master's degree in political science from UCLA in 1956, and planned for a career in academia (he actually worked as an assistant political science professor at California State University, Los Angeles for two years). However, after KCOP-TV Channel 13 approached him to teach an on-air course, the station invited him to anchor his own segment. Fishman had been on the air continuously since June 20, 1960, moving from KCOP-TV to KTLA-TV in 1965. That same year, Fishman had major exposure as a field reporter for KTLA when he helped cover the Watts Riots live from the Los Angeles Police Department command center. He had anchored KTLA's 10pm newscast (currently known as "KTLA Prime News") since January 8, 1975. Prior to anchoring at KTLA, Fishman had worked at other Los Angeles independent stations KTTV and KHJ (now KCAL) during the early 1970s.

[edit] Notable events covered

As a news anchor, Fishman covered numerous events in Los Angeles and the world, ranging from the assassination of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, to the Sylmar and Northridge earthquakes, to Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to Southern California. He, along with KTLA, was credited for being the first to air footage of the police beating of Rodney King in 1991, an event that sparked riots a year later when the officers were acquitted. In 2000, KTLA dedicated its newsroom in Fishman's honor, commemorating his 40 years in television and his years of service and commitment to the region.[2]

[edit] Honors

Fishman had won numerous awards, including the Associated Press Television-Radio Association's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. He received a "star" on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame," and KTLA named its television news studio after Fishman. He also authored two novels, Flight 902 is Down (co-authored with aviation writer Barry J. Schiff) and The Vatican Target. Hal was also an accomplished pilot and set several records for speed and altitude.[3]

[edit] Death

Fishman died August 7, 2007 at home, following recent treatment for a liver infection, which had detected cancer in his liver and colon. That morning the station interrupted its regular news schedule and dedicated much of the entire Morning Show and Prime News broadcasts to Fishman. The reporters on Prime News did not break for commercials that evening. Hal Fishman's last broadcast was on July 30, 8 days before his death.[4]

The night before Hal became ill, KTLA celebrated Hal's 47 years in television with a special gala at the Autry National Museum in Los Angeles, an event attended by such dignitaries as Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Los Angeles County Sherriff Lee Baca. The event was emceed by Morning Show Anchor Michaela Pereira. During the gala, Hal spoke to the audience about his time in television. Fishman appeared somewhat fatigued but little would be known about his health until the day after.[5]

[edit] Filmography

Fishman played a television news anchor or reporter in numerous films during his career:

[edit] References

  1. ^ Hal Fishman, Newsman / UCLA Spotlight
  2. ^ Hal Fishman 1931-2007 | Hal's Life And Career
  3. ^ Hal Fishman 1931-2007 | Hal's Life And Career
  4. ^ KTLA The CW | Where Los Angeles Lives
  5. ^ Celebrating Hal Fishman | KTLA The CW | Celebrating 60 Years

[edit] Sources/Links

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