Aaron Brown, a seasoned news anchor whose calm presence reassured CNN viewers during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, has passed away at the age of 76.
His family spokesperson, Molly Levinson, confirmed that Brown died on Sunday from pneumonia in Washington, D.C., where he resided.
Brown began his professional journey in Minneapolis as a radio talk show host before transitioning to television in Seattle. He became the inaugural anchor for ABC’s “World News Now,” later also hosting “ABC’s World News Tonight Saturday” and serving as a reporter for notable programs like “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings” and “Nightline.”
However, it was at CNN that Brown made a profound impact, starting on September 11, 2001, when he was called to the air earlier than anticipated. He provided live coverage from a rooftop in Manhattan as the initial attacks unfolded. When the second tower collapsed, his stunned reaction resonated with viewers worldwide: “Good lord. There are no words.”
Brown’s exceptional reporting during the attacks earned him the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, in addition to three Emmy Awards over his distinguished career and other accolades.
His unique 10 p.m. show on CNN, “NewsNight,” attracted a dedicated audience who appreciated his insightful commentaries, including a segment called “The Whip,” which provided a rapid overview of major international events. However, he faced competition from Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren, which affected his show’s ratings.
In November 2005, during a significant transition at CNN, Brown left the network as his time slot was given to the rising star, Anderson Cooper. Reflecting on his CNN experience, he expressed the tension between genuine journalism and the demands of a ratings-driven industry, stating, “I don’t want to get into the business of indicting cable TV, but some of what went on was just television, not journalism.”
In a 2008 interview, he acknowledged that while he did not practice the “high church” of journalism consistently, he felt out of place in the sensationalist realm that some media pursued, a sentiment he believed viewers could sense.
After his tenure at CNN, Brown became the first Walter Cronkite professor of journalism at Arizona State University, where he taught for several years. He returned to television in 2008, joining PBS’ “Wide Angle,” a public affairs program.
Charlotte Raynor, Brown’s wife, shared that he cherished his career and felt fortunate to work alongside colleagues committed to quality journalism. She highlighted his ability to balance his demanding work schedule with precious family time, making memories with their daughter Gabby.
Survived by his wife, a daughter, two grandchildren, a sister, and a brother, Aaron Brown’s legacy as a journalism pioneer will be fondly remembered.