Aaron Brown, the influential news anchor known for his poignant coverage of the September 11 attacks, has died at age 76.
The Associated Press reported that Brown, a veteran television presenter and journalism professor, sadly passed away due to pneumonia in Washington, D.C.
Born into the broadcasting world through radio in Minneapolis, Brown's career began on the airwaves before moving to television journalism. His voice, initially heard on talk shows, soon became a familiar presence in Seattle where he first tackled TV news reporting.
His early days in Seattle paved the way for a significant role at ABC. Aaron Brown became the founding anchor for "World News Now” and later took on duties at “ABC's World News Tonight Saturday.”
His journalistic skills were also put to use as a reporter for “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings,” “Nightline,” and several other ABC news programs.
In a pivotal career shift, Brown moved to CNN and immediately faced one of the biggest news stories of the century. His coverage of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, initiated on a Manhattan rooftop, captured the nation's attention and is still remembered vividly today.
During the attacks, his calm demeanor provided a sense of stability. Brown’s remark as he watched the second tower fall, “Good lord, there are no words,” encapsulated the shock and sorrow felt by watchers around the globe.
Brown's professionalism and ability to navigate complex news stories earned him several prestigious awards, including the Edward R. Murrow Award and three Emmy awards. His show "NewsNight" on CNN, although eventually facing ratings competitions, gained a loyal viewership.
However, in November 2005, during a network reshuffle at CNN which ushered in Anderson Cooper, Brown exited the network. Reflecting on his time in cable news, he remarked, “I don’t want to get into the business of indicting cable TV, but some of what went on was just television, not journalism.”
Following his CNN tenure, Brown turned to academia, becoming the first Walter Cronkite professor of journalism at Arizona State University. His commitment to educating future generations underscored his lifelong dedication to quality journalism.
In 2008, Brown returned to television screens with PBS’ "Wide Angle," a public affairs show that aired weekly, indicating his ongoing passion for broadcasting.
About his career and occasional struggles with the sensationalist aspects of news reporting, he admitted, “I didn’t practice the ‘high church’ of journalism all the time, but I think there was some sense that I was uncomfortable in that other, tabloidy world, and I think viewers knew that and I couldn’t pull it off.”
Aaron Brown's personal life was rich with familial connections and a commitment to community. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Raynor, a daughter, two grandchildren, a sister, and a brother.
Charlotte Raynor fondly remembered her husband's dedication not only to his career but to his family, stating, “Aaron got to do the work that he loved - and he felt lucky to do that work as part of a community of people who were dedicated to good journalism and who became good friends.” She added that he always cherished both ordinary and extraordinary moments with their daughter Gabby and herself.
Brown's impeccable career and his nurturing approach to journalism and education left an indelible mark on many.
His narrative style during critical events like the 9/11 attacks has set a benchmark in news reporting, teaching a generation of journalists the value of calm and measured reportage during crises.
Through his contributions to television and education, Brown shaped not only media landscapes but also the minds of future journalists, combining professional achievement with personal integrity and empathy. Aaron Brown's legacy will remain a beacon for broadcasters and educators alike.