KTLA Anchor Hal Fishman Dies After Colon Cancer Diagnosis

August 7, 2007 -- Legendary news anchor Hal Fishman has died, less than a week after being diagnosed with colon and liver cancer.

Fishman died at his home at 3 a.m. Tuesday morning with his family by his side.

Fishman's 47-year career was a distinguished one. He covered the biggest news stories and received numerous awards. He was a former political science professor, an aviation enthusiast and a mentor to so many.

Hal Fishman anchored KTLA's 10 p.m. news for 32 years.

Viewers watched history unfold through his eyes and the stories he covered - the assassination of Robert Kennedy in Los Angeles, the pope's historic L.A. visit and the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake.

Fishman won the first of two Peabody Awards for his coverage of the Watts riots in 1965.

The second came in 1991 for leading KTLA's coverage of the Rodney King beating.

Fishman also won the first-ever lifetime achievement award from the Associated Press Television-Radio Association.

Fishman's other love was flying. He held 13 world records for speed and altitude.

On Tuesday Johnny Grant left a tribute on Hal Fishman's Hollywood star.

Veteran broadcaster Stan Chambers says Fishman had a way of bringing news stories to life and he'll be remembered for his commentaries.

"He always had that little observation that he felt on something that was important. And he just felt this was important to everybody and that's why it was his commentary that night," Chambers said.

At the time of his death, Hal Fishman was the longest-running news anchor in the history of television.

Condolences poured in on Tuesday.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released this statement: "I remember Hal giving me the news when I first came to California in 1968. While he won many awards in his tenure as anchor, perhaps most importantly he won the respect and trust of news viewers throughout California."

Hal Fishman was 75. He is survived by his wife and son. Funeral arrangements are still pending.

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