Longtime KTTV reporter Tony Valdez has died after battling end-stage kidney failure. He was 78.
The Fox owned station said Valdez was “a proud Angeleno” who grew up in downtown LA and credits himself for breaking the color barrier for Latinos.
“Tony Valdez was a trailblazing reporter, advocate, and mentor. He was one of the first Latino journalists to break the color barrier in Los Angeles. And with pride, Tony said he spent 35 years, 5 months, and 4 days covering the stories of this city on KTTV. We are better journalists, and a better community, because of the coverage and compassion of Tony Valdez,” said acting news director Pete Wilgoren.
Valdez started working at KTTV in 1981 and retired in 2016. He was the longtime host of Midday Sunday and co-anchored weekends with Christine Devine in the nineties. He was also the host of the crime series LA’s Most Wanted.
“Anyone who worked with Tony can tell you of his complete dedication to the truth in journalism. He knew this city inside and out,” said Devine.
Before joining KTTV, he worked at KCET, KTLA and La Opiñion.
Valdez is survived by his son Steve Valdez, and three grandchildren.