Bernard Shaw, a veteran news anchor and correspondent, has died.
Shaw, a former CNN anchor, helped lead the network to prominence in the 1980s-1990s.
When CNN first moved to a 24-hour news network in June 1980, Shaw was chosen to be the platform’s first anchor. He broke numerous major news stories for more than two decades, including the student revolt in Tiananmen Square in May 1989, the First Gulf War during which he reported live from Bagdad in 1991, Princess Diana’s death in 1997 and the photo-finish 2000 presidential election.
Shaw retired in 2001 after a notable 21-year run as anchor for CNN.
CNN was notified of their former anchor’s death by Shaw’s family, who reported that he died at a hospital in Washington on Sept. 7.
Shaw, 82, died of pneumonia. According to his family, Shaw’s death was unrelated to COVID.
CNN reports that chairman and CEO Chris Licht said in a statement:
“CNN’s beloved anchor and colleague, Bernard Shaw, passed away yesterday at the age of 82. Bernie was a CNN original and was our Washington Anchor when we launched on June 1, 1980.”
“He was our lead anchor for the next twenty years from anchoring coverage of presidential elections to his iconic coverage of the First Gulf War live from Baghdad in 1991. Even after he left CNN, Bernie remained a close member of our CNN family providing our viewers with context about historic events as recently as last year.
“The condolences of all of us at CNN go out to his wife Linda and his children.”
Shaw’s family reports that his funeral service will be open to relatives and invited guests, but a public memorial service will be held at a date yet to be determined.
A statement from Shaw’s family read: “In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bernard Shaw Scholarship Fund at the University of Chicago. The Shaw family requests complete privacy at this time.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper was among those leading the tributes for Shaw, tweeting: “RIP CNN anchor and icon Bernard Shaw, who died yesterday at age 82, per his family. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues. May his memory be a blessing.”
Fellow CNN anchor Abby Phillip added: “Sad news just in this morning that our beloved Bernard Shaw has passed away at age 82. A trailblazer and a true CNN original. Rest in Peace.”
CNN Chief National Correspondent John King tweeted: “We have lost a CNN original. A trailblazer and legend, a man of profound talent and endless grace. Soft spoken yet booming voice. A role model and example and mentor to so so many. #RIP Bernard Shaw.”
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