LA broadcast TV legend Tom Van Amburg — who gave Regis Philbin his daytime start — dead at 83
Los Angeles television legend Tom Van Amburg died Monday. He was 83.
Amburg was known for transforming the city’s local broadcast news when he took charge at KABC-TV in 1981, where he launched Regis Philbin’s iconic morning career — whose legacy continues with ABC’s “Live with Kelly and Mark” — and LA standbys like Chuck Henry, Christine Lund, Paul Moyers and Jerry Dunphy.
Under Amburg’s leadership, KABC-TV dominated the LA news scene, making it the most-watched channel across the City of Angels for years.
He introduced the concept of network talk shows with programs like Philbin’s “A.M. Los Angeles,” the afternoon show “330” and the evening program “Eye on LA,” according to Deadline.
He made appearances on the network himself, giving editorials weekly and hosting the local crime segment “Eyewitness Anonymous,” which focused on local crime and encouraged viewers to call in tips.
Amburg ended each “Eyewitness Anonymous” with the catchphrase, “Turn ’em in!”
Before landing at KABC, Amburg also worked at ABC networks in Chicago, New York and San Francisco before settling in LA.
After KABC, Amburg worked for KCBS-TV and then started his own company, Vanamedia, according to Variety.
He is survived by Mary, his wife of 50 years; sons Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s co-head of worldwide video, and entertainment marketing executive Chris Van Amburg; and six grandchildren.
