Friends and former colleagues of John Mahaffey are remembering the long-time WBRZ anchor this morning.
WBRZ reports Mahaffey died overnight following surgery earlier Thursday at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital for a blood clot.
Mahaffey is remembered as one of the most popular faces of television in Baton Rouge, leading the WBRZ news team during the golden years of TV—from the 1970s until he retired in May 1999.
“He was the consummate, quintessential anchor,” says WBRZ anchor John Pastorek, who worked with Mahaffey for nearly 20 years. “When he delivered the news, you never had any idea what his opinion was. He remained completely unbiased. What a great example that would set for journalists today.”
Prior to becoming an anchor at Channel 2, Mahaffey worked as a studio cameraman in Texas and also had stints as a technical director, film director and marketing manager.
Pastorek says Mahaffey’s Texas roots—and larger-than-life personality—led to his nickname, The Duke.
“He was the John Wayne of newscasters,” Pastorek says. “He was tall, Texan and very talented.”
Since news of his death broke this morning, fans and loyal viewers from around the country have been calling and sending emails, Pastorek says.
In the WBRZ studio, Mahaffey is remembered as being the personality that held the news team together. He brought more life to the already lively television news industry.
“I chose this work because it wasn’t dull,” Mahaffey said in 1999 when he was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award by the Southeastern University Broadcasting Society.
When he retired, Mahaffey anchored the noon and 5 p.m. broadcasts at WBRZ. He had previously anchored the station’s 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. shows.
Says Pastorek: “He was one of the broadcasting industry.”
—Stephanie Riegel
