'Like It Is' Producer Gil Noble Is Dead at 80
Source: The Root
He developed Like It Is into one of TV's top public-affairs programs focusing on black America.
As a journalist and television producer, Gil Noble worked to dispel negative images of African Americans in media. The notable host of the long-running public-affairs program Like It Is also pushed for clear ethics and objectivity in journalism. According to WABC-TV, he "passed away peacefully after a long illness," this morning, at the age of 80. Noble had suffered a stroke in July 2011.
"Gil Noble's life and work had a profound effect on our society and culture," said WABC-TV President and General Manager Dave Davis in a released statement. "His contributions are a part of history and will be remembered for years to come. Today, our hearts are with Gil's family, his wife Jean and their five children, and we thank them for so lovingly sharing him with the world all these years." WABC anchor Diana Williams, who posted the news on Twitter and Facebook, noted that Noble had taught her a lot. "Gil Noble was a giant in broadcasting who reminded generations of newscasters who followed in his footsteps that we have a responsibility to tell it 'like it is'. His loss cannot be calculated personally or professionally," noted New York Association of Black Journalists vice president of broadcast Cheryl Wills, who is also an anchor for NY1.
Read more: http://www.theroot.com/views/journalist-gil-noble-it-passes-away
Gil Noble was an important figure in black history & the history of American media more generally. He became a TV anchor in the country's largest market, NYC, way back in 1968, long before "diversity" was a word heard in newsrooms. And then he had his own show for years. It's worth learning a bit about him, while we reflect on his death and life.