By Stone Martindale Aug 6, 2007, 4:20 GMT
KTLA-TV anchor Hal Fishman is a fixture of local Los Angeles news. The longtime news anchor is being treated for colon cancer after a collapse at his home last week led to his hospitalization.
Fishman, 75, collapsed at his home last week and was hospitalized for a serious infection, according to KTLA, which made the announcement Thursday during its 10 p.m. newscast.
Doctors were treating Fishman for an infection he suffered after the collapse when they discovered the cancer, which has spread to his liver, said interim news director Rich Goldner.
"Hal is awake and thanks everyone for their well wishes and says he is going to fight this illness," Goldner said to the Los Angeles Times. "He is looking forward to coming back when he gets better."
By midday Friday, nearly 500 messages were posted on the station's website. Read one: "Hal, feel better soon. Come back soon!! My husband and I watch you every night!"
"The station has Hal in its heart and prayers, and we wish him the best for a speedy recovery," the station spokesman said.
The Hollywood Reporter writes that "Fishman, a 45-year news veteran, joined KTLA in 1965 and has anchored its 10 p.m. newscast since 1975. He has reported on the 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, the 1994 Northridge, Calif., earthquake and the 1991 Rodney King beating, among others."
The Reporter lists his honors: "Governor's Award from the Los Angeles chapter of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and an Outstanding Broadcast Journalism Award from the Society of Professional Journalists...also receiving the Associated Press Television-Radio Assn.'s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002."
In 1992, Fishman received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Your Talkback on this Story