Archive Video: Reporting on John Lennon's Death

By Marc Schneider Posted Dec 8th 2010 10:15AM

John Lennon's tragic death on Dec. 8, 1980, was the definitive stop-the-presses moment in rock history, overshadowing Elvis Presley's not-all-that-surprising demise three years earlier and, going back further, the plane crash that snuffed out the promising careers of Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens.

Thirty years ago, there was no Twitter or MSNBC or Fox News (or Fox for that matter), so news coverage of that cold night in New York City came in the form of breaking news alerts from older, veteran newsmen, who delivered the sad news with their trademark gravitas. Ted Koppel for ABC, a crusty BBC anchor and even Bill Kurtis (of 'Cold Case Files') broke the news to viewers of Chicago's CBS affiliate. The most widely seen and enduring announcement of the tragedy came from Howard Cosell in the 'Monday Night Football' broadcast booth. Watch that and other vintage news alerts.

ABC's 'Nightline,' Ted Koppel (2 Part Segment With Geraldo Rivera):

'CBS Evening News,' Walter Cronkite:

NBC News Bulletin, Interrupting 'The Tonight Show' (Audio Only)

BBC News:

CBS Los Angeles, Connie Chung and Pat O'Brien:

CBS Chicago, Bill Kurtis:

Tags: john lennon

Comments

(7)

Wednesday 08 December

By BTDT

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It was a heartbreaking moment in history.

By elephantman

The days that followed John's untimely death really really sucked.

Thanks John for the great music.POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

By SJL

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I didn't hear about it till the morning. I was just 21. I vividly remember it taking my breath away. Such a loss.

By Ronin

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I lived on 84th street and colubus avenue. My neiborhood stretches from 59th street to 86th street. I would see John and Yoko often. Once I walked past them and I gave a thumbs up and John responded with the same and Yoko smiled. They were just so cool.

By Heartbreak Kid

I was 13 and heard it on 94.1 WYSP from Philly as I was falling asleep; I thought I heard wrong, but when they immediately starting playing Beatles music, I knew it was true. RIP John....

By Heather

A heartbreaking loss for everyone. A good man of peace. He did so much for so many. His music is amazing. If you only know him for his music, look him up. We could use him right now. Miss you John.

Sunday 13 February

By brad

I for one began losing interest in Saint John when he took up with that weird grim woman Loco Ono. I think we need to remember that this guy went out of his way to share-or force- his anti-God, atheist views on people. What do you think the song "Imagine" is about?

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