Former ABC News reporter and anchor Tom Jarriel dies at 89

Former ABC News reporter and anchor Tom Jarriel, who won many awards for his effective reporting, passed away at the age of 89.

During his 38-year tenure at the network, Jarriel was the kind of person and journalist many at ABC aspired to be.

He was a reliable correspondent, correspondent and news anchor for America. He was a beloved colleague, mentor and friend at ABC.

Born in Georgia, Jarriel grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1958, he began his career in broadcast journalism at KPRC in Houston.

Jarriel would join ABC News in 1965.

Dr. He quickly gained national attention for his coverage of Martin Luther King’s assassination.

It didn’t take long for Jarriel’s talent to be recognized and rewarded. In 1969, he rose to the position of Chief White House Correspondent, covering both presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

1979 was a pivotal year in Jarriel’s career. He was named host of ABC’s Weekend Report and joined ABC’s fledgling, prime-time newsmagazine 20/20.

Each year, Jarriel contributed scathing reports ranging from criminal justice reform to holding our leaders accountable, but it was a series of reports on the plight of suffering children in Romanian orphanages that Jarriel is remembered for. his career.

Jarriel’s impactful reporting for more than two decades on 20/20 has earned him numerous awards; including six Emmy awards before retiring in 2002.

We honor the depth and breadth of Jarriel’s 38 years at ABC. We celebrate his sense of justice, his sense of honesty, but most of all his humanity.

Jarriel represented the best of everyone at ABC News, on and off the air.

Jarriel is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan, and three sons.