Tom Jarriel, an esteemed journalist celebrated for his impactful reporting on the ABC newsmagazine "20/20," died at age 89 in a nursing facility in Annapolis, Maryland, following a debilitating stroke last year. His son, Steve, confirmed the news of his passing.
Joining ABC News in 1979, Jarriel quickly became a key figure, not only as a correspondent for "20/20" but also as the network's chief White House correspondent and weekend news anchor. Over his distinguished 37-year career, he garnered an impressive 19 Emmy Awards for his work.
Jarriel was known for his unflinching coverage of global crises, often focusing on the most vulnerable populations. His reports included heartbreaking stories, such as those of child victims in war-torn Mozambique and the haunting realities faced by residents in famine-stricken Ethiopia. One of the defining stories of his career came from extensive coverage of the plight of orphaned children in Romania. For a decade, he reported on thousands of neglected and abused orphans relegated to inhumane conditions, together with his longtime producer Janice Tomlin.
In one particularly haunting report from 1990, Jarriel described the grim circumstances found in over 50 Romanian institutions, likening them to prisons rather than orphanages, illustrating his commitment to elevating the voices of the unheard. "These are not the orphanages seen before on American television," he stated. "This is where children with physical or mental defects are banished by a government which has branded them worthless."
Tomlin recalled their harrowing discoveries of children in desperate situations, further reinforcing Jarriel's dedication to shedding light on the neglected. The compassion and determination Jarriel exhibited throughout his career serve as a testament to the role media can play in advocating for marginalized communities and enacting social change. His work inspired countless viewers and aspiring journalists to value the deep humanity in every story.
