Pablo Guzman, the illustrious journalist whose resonant voice graced the airwaves of the Big Apple for an impressive span of decades, has passed away. This somber announcement was made by CBS New York on Monday, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned 73 vibrant years.
Guzman, a journalistic luminary renowned for his unwavering commitment to storytelling, breathed his last on a Sunday morning, leaving behind a legacy of relentless coverage of crime, politics, and the ever-evolving tapestry of New York City over the past three decades and then some. His most recent role was as a senior correspondent for CBS, where his insights and reporting continued to captivate audiences.
It was in 1984 that Guzman’s journey into the world of television journalism began, as he joined the ranks of WNEW-TV Channel 5. In 1992, he took his talents to WNBC, where he further solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the industry. A few years later, he embarked on a new chapter of his career at CBS 2, where he remained a stalwart presence for approximately 16 years.
CBS 2, in an article commemorating his passing, eloquently captured his wide-ranging expertise, stating, “The veteran journalist covered crime, local politics, the courts, and, of course, his beloved New York Yankees.” His dedication to his craft was palpable in every story he covered, leaving an indelible mark on the city he held dear.
Guzman’s journey to journalistic excellence had humble beginnings. A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, he continued his education at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. However, it was his role as a founding member of the Young Lords, a predominantly Puerto Rican revolutionary party based in New York, that showcased his early dedication to social and political change.
Beyond the television screen, Guzman’s words found homes in the pages of respected publications such as the Village Voice, Billboard, Rolling Stone, and the New York Daily News. His written work echoed the same passion and insight that made him a revered figure in broadcast journalism.
Cindy Hsu, an anchor at CBS 2, fondly remembered Guzman, saying, “I never knew what was going to come out of his mouth.” She added, “Pablo was so original, and is going to be missed. He knew everybody.” Guzman’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life was one of his many talents that endeared him to his audience.
News director Sarah Burke highlighted Guzman’s remarkable ability to bring out “the best in people,” emphasizing the trust he earned throughout his career. CBS 2 reporter Tony Aiello echoed this sentiment, declaring Guzman to be the “real deal.” Aiello took to social media to pay tribute, writing, “Pablo Guzmán packed 150 years worth of life into 73. His reporting pulsed with a vitality earned on the streets of El Barrio. He covered historic events, and with the Young Lords, he authored a unique chapter of NYC’s own history. Pablo was the real deal. Rest in peace.”
Even NYC Mayor Eric Adams joined in commemorating this iconic New Yorker. “Pablo Guzmán was a son of the Bronx who spoke truth to power and held leaders to account,” Adams remarked. “Our city is a better place because of the work he did, and he will be truly missed. Rest in peace.”
As we bid farewell to this remarkable journalist, Pablo Guzman leaves behind a loving family—his wife, Debbie; his children, Angela and Daniel; and his mother, Sally. His legacy, however, will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched through his passion for journalism and his unwavering dedication to the city that never sleeps.
