Former CNN anchor Bernard Shaw dead at 82

Veteran former CNN anchor Bernard Shaw, who helped lead the network’s breaking news coverage for more than two decades, has died.

Shaw died of pneumonia on Wednesday at a hospital in Washington, his family said in a statement to the network on Thursday.

He was 82. His death was unrelated to COVID-19, according to his family.

Shaw was CNN’s first chief anchor when it launched its 24-hour cable news network in June 1980.

He retired from CNN in February 2001 after more than 20 years.

“Even after he left CNN, Bernie remained a close member of our CNN family providing our viewers with context about historic events as recently as last year,” CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht said in a statement.

Shaw was CNN’s first chief anchor when it launched its 24-hour cable news network in June 1980. Getty Images

“The condolences of all of us at CNN go out to his wife Linda and his children.”

His funeral service will be for relatives and invited guests, but a public memorial service will be held at a later date, his family said.

“In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bernard Shaw Scholarship Fund at the University of Chicago. The Shaw family requests complete privacy at this time,” the family’s statement said.

Throughout his career, Shaw reported on a number of global breaking news events, including the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China, the California earthquake in 1994 and Princess Diana’s death in 1997.

He retired from CNN in February 2001 after more than 20 years. Getty Images

He also reported live from Baghdad in 1991 during the First Gulf war.

CNN’s Jake Tapper was among those leading the tributes for Shaw, tweeting: “RIP CNN anchor and icon Bernard Shaw, who died yesterday at age 82, per his family. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and former colleagues. May his memory be a blessing.”

Fellow CNN anchor Abby Phillip added: “Sad news just in this morning that our beloved Bernard Shaw has passed away at age 82. A trailblazer and a true CNN original. Rest in Peace.”

“We have lost a CNN original. A trailblazer and legend, a man of profound talent and endless grace. Soft spoken yet booming voice. A role model and example and mentor to so so many,” John King, the network’s chief national correspondent, tweeted.