His career spanned nearly four decades, marked by Emmy recognition and deeply moving reports on social issues worldwide.
Tom Jarriel, Celebrated ABC News Reporter, Passes Away at 89
Tom Jarriel, Celebrated ABC News Reporter, Passes Away at 89
Renowned for his impactful storytelling on "20/20" and as a White House correspondent, Jarriel leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism.
Tom Jarriel, an iconic Emmy Award-winning reporter known for his extensive work with ABC News, has passed away at the age of 89 in a nursing facility in Annapolis, Maryland. His son, Steve Jarriel, confirmed his death, revealing that Tom had suffered a debilitating stroke the previous year.
Jarriel joined ABC News in 1978 and later became an integral part of the newsmagazine "20/20," which launched a year earlier. Over his illustrious 37-year career at the network, he served in various capacities, including as the chief White House correspondent and a weekend news anchor. Jarriel's exceptional journalism earned him 19 Emmy Awards, a testament to his dedication and skill.
Throughout his tenure, Jarriel covered numerous impactful stories, shedding light on pressing global issues. His poignant pieces included reports on child victims of the civil war in Mozambique, the terrifying resurgence of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Janice Tomlin, his longtime producer, reflected on his work, noting that their collaboration often focused on serious, troubling narratives.
Perhaps the defining work of Jarriel's career was a series of reports on the plight of thousands of malnourished and forgotten orphans in Romania. His groundbreaking investigation in 1990 revealed the tragic conditions in state-run asylums, where innocent children were confined and neglected. “In more than 50 institutions hidden in remote areas of Romania, innocent children are locked away like condemned prisoners,” he stated, vividly portraying the harrowing reality many of these children faced.
Tom Jarriel's fearless commitment to uncovering the truth and advocating for the vulnerable has left an indelible mark on the field of journalism, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of reporters.
Jarriel joined ABC News in 1978 and later became an integral part of the newsmagazine "20/20," which launched a year earlier. Over his illustrious 37-year career at the network, he served in various capacities, including as the chief White House correspondent and a weekend news anchor. Jarriel's exceptional journalism earned him 19 Emmy Awards, a testament to his dedication and skill.
Throughout his tenure, Jarriel covered numerous impactful stories, shedding light on pressing global issues. His poignant pieces included reports on child victims of the civil war in Mozambique, the terrifying resurgence of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, and the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Janice Tomlin, his longtime producer, reflected on his work, noting that their collaboration often focused on serious, troubling narratives.
Perhaps the defining work of Jarriel's career was a series of reports on the plight of thousands of malnourished and forgotten orphans in Romania. His groundbreaking investigation in 1990 revealed the tragic conditions in state-run asylums, where innocent children were confined and neglected. “In more than 50 institutions hidden in remote areas of Romania, innocent children are locked away like condemned prisoners,” he stated, vividly portraying the harrowing reality many of these children faced.
Tom Jarriel's fearless commitment to uncovering the truth and advocating for the vulnerable has left an indelible mark on the field of journalism, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of reporters.
