Tom Jarrell ABC News: Tom Jarriel, a distinguished former ABC News anchor and correspondent, passed away at age 89. Known for his incisive investigative reporting and his White House coverage, Jarriel’s family announced his death on Thursday, October 24.
Key Points:
- Tom Jarriel worked for ABC News for 48 years, joining in 1964 and retiring in 2002.
- He started as a White House correspondent and later became an investigative correspondent on 20/20.
- Jarriel’s work on 20/20 included hard-hitting investigations into military abuse cases and Romanian orphanages, among other topics.
- Jarriel earned 10 Emmy Awards for his contributions to journalism, cementing his reputation as one of the most respected investigative reporters in U.S. news.
Tom Jarrell ABC News
Jarriel is survived by his wife, Joan, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, and their three sons. A household name for nearly five decades, Jarriel dedicated 48 years to ABC News, beginning his tenure in 1964 as a White House correspondent. He notably covered major political events, including the Nixon and Ford administrations, and left an indelible mark on American journalism.
In 1977, Jarriel co-anchored the ABC Evening News on Saturdays before transitioning to ABC’s news magazine program, 20/20, in 1979. As an investigative correspondent on 20/20, Jarriel highlighted critical social issues, including defense spending excesses, transportation safety lapses, and instances of abuse within the armed forces. His groundbreaking reporting also exposed the dire conditions of Romanian orphanages, bringing global awareness to the children’s plight.
Over his career, Jarriel won 10 Emmy Awards, a testament to his impactful journalism and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. Jarriel retired in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, empathy, and courage in broadcasting.