KTLA anchor Fishman in hospital with infection
Hal Fishman, longtime anchor at KTLA Channel 5, was hospitalized with a serious infection after collapsing at his home Wednesday, the station announced at the top of its 10 p.m. newscast Thursday.
Fishman, 75, was said to be awake and alert, but no other news about his condition or where he was hospitalized was available, said Rich Goldner, executive producer of KTLA Prime News.
Fishman, a news veteran of more than 45 years, has anchored the station’s 10 p.m. newscast since 1975. He is a former political science professor and renowned aviation enthusiast, holding several records for speed and altitude.
He joined KTLA in 1965 and reported on the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, the Northridge earthquake and the Rodney King beating.
His honors include a Governor’s Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and an Outstanding Broadcast Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
In 2000, KTLA named its newsroom the “Hal Fishman Newsroom” in recognition of his services to the community and to the station -- which, like the Los Angeles Times, is owned by the Chicago-based Tribune Co.
His omnipresence on the Los Angeles news scene prompted dozens of well-wishers to send messages to the station’s website.
Many lauded Fishman’s straight-talking perspective, often delivered in the style of a stern father.
“Hal, get well soon and get back to work,” said one missive from Gerry in El Cajon. “L.A. needs your honesty and perspective. Many of us have watched KTLA for decades. We have grown up [I won’t say old] with you. You are a civic treasure.”
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