‘PBS NewsHour’ Anchor Jim Lehrer Dead At 85

WASHINGTON, DC. (THECOUNT) — Co-founder and longtime anchor of “PBS NewsHour,” Jim Lehrer, died Thursday. He was 85.

Judy Woodruff, the show’s co-anchor and managing editor, revealed the sad news Thursday saying Lehrer died “peacefully in his sleep at home.”

“I’m heartbroken at the loss of someone who was central to my professional life, a mentor to me and someone whose friendship I’ve cherished for decades,” she said. “I’ve looked up to him as the standard for fair, probing and thoughtful journalism and I know countless others who feel the same way.”

Lehrer started the show in 1975 with co-founder Robert MacNeil after the pair teamed up to cover the unfolding Watergate scandal in 1973. The show underwent several name changes before becoming the “PBS NewsHour” in 2009, reports Huffpo.

“From co-creating the groundbreaking MacNeil/Lehrer Report to skillfully moderating many presidential debates, Jim exemplified excellence in journalism throughout his extraordinary career,” PBS President Paula Kerger said Thursday. “A true giant in news and public affairs, he leaves behind an incredible legacy that serves as an inspiration to us all. He will be missed.”

He is survived by his wife, three daughters and six grandchildren.

A cause of death was not provided as of Thursday afternoon.

DEVELOPING::

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