Hal Fishman (1931 - 2007)

From the earliest age, I have always enjoyed watching the news. On August 7th, 2007 long time KTLA anchorman Hal Fishman died from cancer. Known as the "Flying Professor" for his love of flying and his days as a professor of political science, Hal Fishman was a fixture on Los Angeles tv since 1965.

I would often watch KTLA at 10 pm usually on tuesdays after a long day of work and school. I always liked Hal's honesty and old fashioned work ethic. He was very precise and it was clear to all that he valued and loved his job. Despite his age, it always amazed me that Hal never lost his relevance and embraced change. Hal was a fixture and I always felt that he was delivering the news directly to me as if he were in the same room.

LA will be different without the steady leadership and vigliance of Hal Fishman. Some have compared Hal as the Chick Hearn of newsbroadcasting. When Hal was not behind the anchor desk, you knew something was wrong. And just like Chick Hearn, Hal did not retire and lived his final days doing the thing he love the most.

A standard that will never be matched, Hal's legacy will be the dedication, desire, honesty, and integrity he brought to the evening news.