Beloved PBS News Anchor Robert MacNeil Passes Away at 93
Robert MacNeil, the revered journalist and creator of PBS’s ‘NewsHour,’ passed away at the age of 93 due to natural causes at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. MacNeil rose to fame for his coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings, which catapulted him into the spotlight as a trusted source of news.
In 1975, MacNeil launched the “Robert MacNeil Report,” a groundbreaking half-hour news program with Jim Lehrer as Washington correspondent. The show expanded to an hour in 1983 and was rebranded as the “MacNeil-Lehrer NewsHour.” MacNeil believed in providing context and balance in news, a mission that continues today with different anchors at the helm.
After leaving anchoring duties in 1995, MacNeil dedicated himself to writing full time, penning several books including best seller “Wordstruck” and two memoirs. He also created and hosted the Emmy-winning series “The Story of English” and served as host of “America at a Crossroads,” a PBS program examining post-9/11 challenges.
MacNeil’s illustrious career began in London with Reuters before working as a foreign correspondent for NBC, covering historic events such as President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. He later joined BBC’s “Panorama” series before eventually finding his home at PBS as a senior correspondent.
MacNeil’s impact on journalism and his dedication to providing thoughtful, balanced news coverage will be remembered for years to come. The legacy he leaves behind serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to informing and educating audiences around the world.
“Infuriatingly humble tv expert. Friendly student. Travel fanatic. Bacon fan. Unable to type with boxing gloves on.”