Gil Noble, pioneering black journalist, dies
Founder of long-running ‘Like It Is’ program on WABC-TV remembered for drive, kindness
Tim Soter/WireImage
Gil Noble, host of “Like It Is,” died at age 80.
Gil Noble,
who became one of the city’s most revered black media voices for
seeking the truth even when it was hard to find and hard to hear, died
Thursday at the age of 80.
He had suffered a debilitating stroke last summer that forced him to leave “Like It Is,” the weekly public affairs program he had hosted on WABC-TV since 1967.
Over nearly five decades he became an admired colleague, an iconic community voice and an uncompromising survivor.
News director Bob Slade of WRKS (98.7 FM) noted that “Like It Is” was the last regular public affairs show in local mainstream media with a focus on black affairs, politics, music and culture.
He had suffered a debilitating stroke last summer that forced him to leave “Like It Is,” the weekly public affairs program he had hosted on WABC-TV since 1967.
Over nearly five decades he became an admired colleague, an iconic community voice and an uncompromising survivor.
News director Bob Slade of WRKS (98.7 FM) noted that “Like It Is” was the last regular public affairs show in local mainstream media with a focus on black affairs, politics, music and culture.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gil-noble-pioneering-black-journalist-dies-article-1.1056756#ixzz1rCl9m8Ck
“Gil Noble's life and work had a profound effect on our society and culture," said WABC-TV President and General Manager Dave Davis. "His contributions are a part of history and will be remembered for years to come. Today, our hearts are with Gil's family - his wife Jean and their five children - and we thank them for so lovingly sharing him with the world all these years."
“The African community has lost one of its most humble, most noble and brightest stars,” said Bernard White, a friend and former program director of WBAI (99.5 FM). “I see his passing as the end of an important era of black progressive, uncompromising electronic journalism.”
“Gil stood tall both literally and figuratively,” said his long-time colleague Bill Ritter, an anchor at WABC-TV. “His work mirrored a strong belief in justice and civil rights, and in the school of thought that journalists should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Gil never feared seeking the truth, and, more importantly, he never feared speaking it.”
“I loved Gil,” said WPIX/Ch. 11 anchor and his former coworker Kaity Tong. “Classy and smart as hell. And he was cool. I was a rookie at Channel 7 when I met him, and he never treated me with anything but affection and respect.”
How the FBI Sabotaged Black America Collection on DVD: malcolmxfiles.blogspot.com Documentary by Gil Noble on the intentional destruction of Black
America by the FBI using ...
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A Publisher's Personal Note:
It saddens me to learn of Mr. Noble's passing today. As a native Bronxite New Yorker, my family and I watched his "Like It Is" television program faithfully. I'd learned so much watching his programs because most of what he had aired was not often available to see in mainstream media news.
The very essence of knowing that my existence have meaning in this world is in part due to Mr. Noble's "Like It Is" television program because it was educational, informative, and the issues posed by Gil Noble germinated and brought to light 'thought-provoking' discussions, whereas otherwise may not ever be discussed in our homes, at our place of business, or with our neighbors.
One of the fondest memories I hold today is Gil Noble's mother, who was the Director at the New York City Housing Authority development called the "Soundview Houses," which was located off the Long Island Sound in Bronx, New York, and where I grew up from childhood to adulthood. And if there is anyone who remembers Mrs. Noble will know that her son was no doubt as intelligent and independent with a tremendous love for his people, as his mom, who did not take crap from anyone, and who believed strongly that no matter where you live, it is each of our responsibility to keep where you live clean, and maintain respect for yourself no matter what.
There is so much I can say about Gil Noble, and his illustrious career. However, I will say that he will always be remembered fondly in so many of our hearts who lived, and still live, in New York, and its surrounding areas, as man staunched with integrity, warmness for his people, and provoking actions on issues relating to race relations, the economy, health, and a plethora of issues that calls for the upliftment of Black and Hispanic people within the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut), on a national level, and throughout the world.
My deep condolence goes out to his family, friends, and close acquaintances, whom he respected and admired.
May Mr. Gil Noble's spirit soar as high as it can shielding the people whom he fondly love.
Miriam G. Aw, BCD 21st Century Global Network
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