(upbeat music)
- This Sunday marks the 70th anniversary of KTLA.
- That's right, on January 22nd, 1947,
Bob Hope introduced this station to Los Angeles.
Eric Spillman takes a look back and honors three newsmen,
who dedicated their lives to KTLA.
- Every day, nearly 100 people come together
to produce KTLA newscasts.
(upbeat music)
From reporters to anchors, writers, producers,
assignment desk editors, photographers, directors,
stage crew engineers, and graphic artists,
it takes a village.
As we celebrate KTLA's 70th anniversary,
let's take a minute to honor three men,
whose contributions really stand above the rest.
Their names Stan Chambers, Larry McCormick,
and Hal Fishman.
These three newsmen dedicated their lives
and careers to KTLA and they made a monumental impact.
Not only on KTLA success, but on the community
and the news industry at large.
KTLA had been on the air for just 11 months,
when Stan Chambers arrived.
- The press secretary of Senator Kennedy
is that is condition is very critical.
- [Eric] Stan Chambers was always there to report
on the major stories,
including the first live breaking news story on KTLA,
the real life drama of a young girl trapped in a well,
the Bel Air fires,
the night Senator Robert F. Kennedy was killed,
the LA riots and the Northridge earthquake.
- [Stan] News coming through now,
and there's the over the broken rabble.
- Stan's career at KTLA span more than six decades.
He covered more than 22,000 stories
and touched countless lives.
Anyone who was fortunate enough to cross paths with Stan
would agree that his humanity
and his infectious spirit inspired all of us
to lead better lives.
- The deadline for applicants to declare their candidacy
for governor is just a week away.
- Larry McCormick was one of
the first African-American news casters in the country.
Early in his career, he hosted musical programs,
radio talk shows and he appeared in TV and in movies.
During his 33 years at KTLA, he reported on everything.
From the weather to sports, health and fitness reports,
to the news as the Weekend Day grew on KTLA News
at Ten broadcast.
- Awaiting the arrival of Shepherd Wine
and Pope John Paul II.
- Larry guided audiences through all the historic moments
with grace and integrity.
Larry devoted his life to his community.
Volunteering for so many nonprofit organizations.
There's a special place for Larry McCormick,
not only here in KTLA,
but in the entire broadcasting industry.
Larry paved the way for future generations
of aspiring African-American broadcasters.
- Reward money for the Los Angeles strangler
will total $140,000.
- In 1965, the owner of KTLA, Gene Autry,
hired, a man named, Hal Fishman, as a news anchor.
At the time, Hal was an assistant professor
of political science at Cal State, LA.
- As OJ Simpson surrendered to police tonight.
- Hal quickly became the face of KTLA.
He reported on major stories like the Watts riots,
the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy,
the Sylmar and Northridge earthquakes,
and the terrorist attacks on September 11th.
But there was one story that may have made the most impact.
- The Los Angeles Police Department has launched
an internal investigation.
- The beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers.
It was reported first by Hal Fishman.
Hal was the anchor on KTLA Nighttime Newscast
and the show's Managing Editor for 32 years.
Just before his death, he was presented with a certificate
from the Guinness Book of World Records, for serving as
the world's longest running television newscaster.
All of us at KTLA have learned so much
from Stan, Larry and Hal.
Their legacies are a daily reminder for each of us
to approach our work with tenacity, dedication,
and integrity.
These three icons are role models
and without their contributions, KTLA would simply
not be what it is today.
Stan, Larry and Hal, we know you're watching
and on behalf of the entire KTLA family, thank you.
(upbeat music)
- Well done, Eric.
That's a great preview. - And we second that.
It really, that was the first time that we got to see that
and that's really fantastic.
And all of you, our viewers, who ask all the time
about what it was like to work with with these men
and really an honor.
- It was an honor for both of us.
- Yeah, at KTLA's 70th anniversary, a year long celebration,
we have lots of special features and giveaways,
including this limited edition anniversary mug.
And you can be among the very first to have it.
- [Frank] 70 KTLA viewers will be selected
to each win a pair of KTLA's 70th anniversary mugs.
To enter go to ktla.com/70.