Tom Jarriel, a pillar of journalism at ABC News, has died at the age of 89.
His nearly four-decade career at ABC News spanned pivotal moments in U.S. history, covering everything from the civil rights movement to presidential administrations, New York Post reported.
His family reported that Jarriel passed away on Thursday. Starting his tenure at ABC News in 1965, Jarriel became a notable figure in broadcast journalism, known for his profound impact on viewers and his dedication to reporting with integrity.
In 1968, Tom Jarriel provided coverage of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, an event that marked a significant period in his reporting career. By the following year, he was promoted to Chief White House Correspondent, a role in which he covered the intricacies of the Nixon and Ford administrations during some of the most turbulent years in modern American politics.
Later, Tom Jarriel transitioned to a weekend anchor role for ABC’s Weekend Report and subsequently joined the network’s primetime news show, “20/20.”
Many praised his investigative pieces, particularly those focusing on criminal justice reform, for their insight and depth, often shedding light on issues that people overlooked or misunderstood.
While at “20/20,” Tom Jarriel engaged in a series of pivotal reports that highlighted the dire situation of orphans in Romania. This particular work was so impactful that Jarriel himself cited it as "the great, defining story of my career." These detailed reports not only won him acclaim but brought international attention to a humanitarian crisis, ultimately echoing calls for reform and support.
The quote highlighting his feelings about this crucial work reflects his dedication. According to ABC News:
We celebrate his sense of fairness, of integrity, but most of all, his humanity.
Over his career, he was honored with six Emmy awards, underscoring his excellence in broadcast journalism.
Survived by his wife of 57 years, Joan, and their three sons, Tom Jarriel's legacy is imbued with professional accolades and a personal life filled with familial love. Beyond the awards and high-profile interviews, it was his humane approach to journalism that endeared him to colleagues and audiences alike.
Retiring in 2002, Jarriel left behind a monumental legacy at ABC News, where he spent 38 years reporting with diligence and an unwavering ethical compass. His work not only defined an era of journalism but also set standards for future journalists aiming to cover complex, sensitive stories with accuracy and compassion.
Tom Jarriel's contributions to journalism were monumental, influencing not only the field of media but also the broader discourse on significant social issues. His reports, especially those on the plights of orphans in Romania, exemplify a career committed to uncovering and sharing truths that catalyzed change. ABC News aptly honored him stating:
We honor the depth and breadth of Jarriel’s 38 years at ABC.
As the news of his passing resonates, colleagues, journalists, and viewers around the world remember Tom Jarriel not just for the news he reported, but for the profound manner in which he delivered it, characterized always by fairness, integrity, and humanity. His indelible mark on journalism continues to inspire.
