2008 Woodie Awards
Beloved ABC Anchor Peter Jennings Diagnosed with Cancer
Katrina Brown Staff Reporter
Issue date: 4/14/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Peter Jennings, ABC "World News Tonight" anchor and senior editor, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. A day after his diagnosis, he revealed the information during his evening newscast.
Jennings, a renowned journalist, has reported many of the world's most crucial events, ranging from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Whenever there was a big event, America could count on Jennings to report it. Thus, it seemed only natural that regular ABC viewers would be suspicious when Jennings was absent and failed to report the recent death of Pope John Paul II.
The 66-year old anchor had been feeling ill for the past few months and, although he did manage to cover the Tsunami tragedies in December, he was not able to give his normal onsite coverage due to the doctor's orders prohibiting him from traveling. At the time, it was believed Jennings illness was a result of an upper respiratory infection. The diagnosis was later changed to cancer.
Although lung cancer is the top cancer killer in the United States, it was reported in a CBS News article on April 5 that "Despite the high mortality rate associated with lung cancer, the key to fighting it is catching it as early as possible. If found early, the cure rate jumps to 50 percent."
Jennings is scheduled to begin outpatient treatment this week. He also plans to continue anchoring the evening news during the chemotherapy. However, he acknowledges the fact that some days he won't be up to it. When Jennings can't make it to work, anchors such as Charlie Gibson or Elizabeth Vargas will stand in.
Westin also added "[Jennings] is already bringing to this new challenge the courage and strength we've seen so often in his reporting from the field and in anchoring ABC News."
During his evening newscast, Jennings revealed his diagnosis then thanked everyone for their support. He also said, "Almost 10 million American are living with cancer. I am sure I will learn from them how to cope with the facts of life none of us anticipated."
For more on lung cancer, please turn to "Lung Cancer: Its not Just Cigarette Related" on page 11.
Jennings, a renowned journalist, has reported many of the world's most crucial events, ranging from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Whenever there was a big event, America could count on Jennings to report it. Thus, it seemed only natural that regular ABC viewers would be suspicious when Jennings was absent and failed to report the recent death of Pope John Paul II.
The 66-year old anchor had been feeling ill for the past few months and, although he did manage to cover the Tsunami tragedies in December, he was not able to give his normal onsite coverage due to the doctor's orders prohibiting him from traveling. At the time, it was believed Jennings illness was a result of an upper respiratory infection. The diagnosis was later changed to cancer.
Although lung cancer is the top cancer killer in the United States, it was reported in a CBS News article on April 5 that "Despite the high mortality rate associated with lung cancer, the key to fighting it is catching it as early as possible. If found early, the cure rate jumps to 50 percent."
Jennings is scheduled to begin outpatient treatment this week. He also plans to continue anchoring the evening news during the chemotherapy. However, he acknowledges the fact that some days he won't be up to it. When Jennings can't make it to work, anchors such as Charlie Gibson or Elizabeth Vargas will stand in.
Westin also added "[Jennings] is already bringing to this new challenge the courage and strength we've seen so often in his reporting from the field and in anchoring ABC News."
During his evening newscast, Jennings revealed his diagnosis then thanked everyone for their support. He also said, "Almost 10 million American are living with cancer. I am sure I will learn from them how to cope with the facts of life none of us anticipated."
For more on lung cancer, please turn to "Lung Cancer: Its not Just Cigarette Related" on page 11.