Harold Greene, a familiar presence in Los Angeles living rooms for decades, has passed away at 82. The veteran broadcaster, who anchored news at both ABC and CBS affiliates in the city, died Tuesday night, his family confirmed.
LA anchor Harold Greene dies at 82
Courtney Greene, the anchor’s daughter, shared the news on Wednesday on Facebook. She said her father “signed off for the last time” on Tuesday and that both she and her mother were at his bedside. “We have a feeling he’s already settling into the great newsroom in the sky, no doubt with a few suggestions on how things should be run,” Courtney Greene wrote. “He was so very loved, and we know he will be missed by many.”
Greene’s broadcasting journey began behind the scenes in Los Angeles, where he worked as a reporter and producer for KABC. He soon headed south to San Diego, helping launch KCST-TV’s (now KNSD) news operation before co-anchoring at KGTV. By 1978, the anchor had returned to Los Angeles, sharing the desk with Eyewitness News icon Jerry Dunphy.
Four years later, he partnered with Joanne Ishimine on ABC7’s weekend broadcasts. When Dunphy departed, Greene stepped into the weeknight 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. chairs, later adding the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. editions. He also fronted lighter local fare, including Hollywood Close-Up and A.M. Los Angeles.
In 2001, Harold Greene shifted to CBS 2, where he joined Ann Martin and sportscaster Jim Hill. Laura Diaz and weatherman Johnny Mountain eventually came aboard, bringing former KABC colleagues back together. KCBS/KCAL let Greene and Martin go in 2008.
Moreover, over his career, Greene amassed 10 Golden Mike awards, two Emmys, three Edward R. Murrow Awards, twelve L.A. Press Club Awards and the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism Award. He also earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A memorial service is planned for after the holidays.
