Pablo Guzman, the Emmy Award-winning reporter and a well-recognized figure in New York journalism, passed away at 73 on Sunday, November 26, 2023.
Guzman, known for his impactful reporting and vibrant personality, left a lasting legacy in the world of journalism and beyond.
Born and raised in the South Bronx, New York, Guzman’s journey to becoming a celebrated journalist was marked by early activism and a passion for change.
He graduated from the State University of New York at Old Westbury, where he was deeply influenced by the Young Lords, a political revolutionary group advocating for Puerto Rican and Latino rights. Guzman’s role as one of the leading spokespersons for the Young Lords showcased his early flair for communication and public speaking. He was instrumental in producing and hosting a radio show for the group on WBAI, laying the groundwork for his future in journalism.
Guzman’s journalism career began at WNEW-TV Channel 5 in 1984, followed by a tenure at WNBC in 1992. He joined CBS New York in 1995, where he eventually became a senior correspondent at CBS.
Guzman’s reporting spanned several areas, including crime, local politics, courts, and sports. His unique storytelling ability and deep engagement with community stories earned him widespread respect and admiration. During his time with WNBC-TV, he won an Emmy Award for his reporting on the murder of a New York City Police Department officer, a testament to his journalistic excellence.
Apart from his television career, Guzman was also a prolific writer, contributing to publications like Billboard, Rolling Stone, the Village Voice, and The New York Daily News. His ability to engage with various forms of media underscored his versatility as a journalist. Guzman’s interviews with Hollywood A-listers such as Sting, Carlos Santana, John Fogerty, Spike Lee, and Robert DeNiro highlighted his reach and influence across different spheres.
His sudden passing from a heart attack in Westchester County, New York, was a shock to many. His colleague Tony Aiello, in mourning his friend, described Guzman as having “packed 150 years’ worth of life into 73” and as someone whose “reporting pulsed with a vitality earned on the streets of El Barrio.” These words capture the essence of Guzman’s dynamic career and his impact on New York City’s history.
Guzman is survived by his wife, Debbie, his children, Angela and Daniel, and his mother, Sally.
