On today’s episode of the “Daily Variety” podcast, Los Angeles TV legend Pat Harvey, who was honored by the National Association of Black Journalists Los Angeles on Nov. 14, reflects on the changes in news and Southern California over his long career. And take a look at the accomplishments of Variety’s Angelique Jackson, who has also been recognized by NABJLA for excellence in entertainment media honors.
Asked about the biggest changes he’s seen in his 40 years at the anchor desk, Harvey cited changes in the region’s population and steady progress toward increasing diversity in government and corporate power structures.
Southern California’s “demographics have changed. Obviously, it’s a big difference. And because of that, neighborhoods have changed. Communities have changed. I think we’re finding ways to adapt every day, even in our storytelling,” Harvey says.
“But that’s not the premise of what we have to report. I think contributing to the community and focusing on our different perspectives is still a top priority. Our government has changed, too. The (Los Angeles) City Council is more established than when I first arrived. I think it’s getting younger, really. Look at Mayor (Karen) Bass, the first black female mayor. I’ve seen a lot more women journalists, some of whom became general managers. That wasn’t the case when I first came.”
Harvey will receive the Local Legacy Award at NABJLA’s annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet on November 14 in Downtown Los Angeles. Variety’s Jackson will be honored along with ABC 7 reporter Tim Pulliam, and ABC 7 anchor Leslie Sykes will also be recognized.
(Photo: CBS LA anchor Pat Harvey, right, on duty.)
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