Ed Arnold, Former Broadcaster at Los Angeles TV Stations KTLA and KABC, Dies at 86

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Ed Arnold, a 60-year veteran of the broadcasting industry at Los Angeles‘s radio and television stations such as KTLA and KABC, has passed away at the age of 86.

According to a close friend, Bob Tarlau, Arnold passed away on Thursday morning, having battled heart disease for quite some time.

Or more concisely:

Arnold, who died this Thursday, had long been dealing with heart disease, as stated by his close friend Bob Tarlau.

Arnold graduated from Santa Ana College before moving on to California State University Long Beach, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in speech, specializing in radio, television, and film. Additionally, he was part of the Santa Ana Dons football team that won the 1961 Eastern Conference Championship.

Prior to his tenure with KTLA in the late 60s, he had already worked at multiple radio stations across Los Angeles and Orange County. At KTLA, he initially served as an announcer and later transitioned to a sportscaster role. He departed from KTLA in 1975, moving on to join KABC-TV’s Eyewitness News team until 1986. During this period, he also lent his voice to public TV station KCET. He was a sports personality for various radio stations such as KRLA, KHTZ, and KMPC, and served as the announcer for the internationally broadcasted Hour of Power religious program. Returning to KTLA in 1986, he worked there until 1999.

Throughout his distinguished career, Arnold garnered numerous accolades. Among these were inductions into the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame for Outstanding Service in 2009 and the Vanguard University Hall of Fame for Outstanding Service in 2011. He also held leadership roles at Santa Ana College, such as president and chairman of the Santa Ana College Foundation, and was part of the executive committee for the Santa Ana College Athletic Hall of Fame that raised funds to offer scholarships for student athletes. In 2003, the SAC golf tournament was renamed in Arnold’s honor, the Ed Arnold Golf Classic, recognizing his contributions to the school’s athletics programs. Additionally, Arnold served as host at various events at Vanguard University, where his wife, Dixie, led the Liberal Studies Department for many years. The Arnolds were also honored by having their name placed on the Vanguard University Lyceum Theater in 2014.

Arnold used to be a frequent attendee at gatherings organized by The Old Broadcasters, a collective primarily composed of retired Southern California broadcasting and journalism elders, but his health issues forced him to stop going.

Arnold leaves behind his beloved wife, Dixie, whom he was married to for 63 years; his son, Dean; his daughter-in-law, Rachel; as well as his two grandkids, Jacob and Luke.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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2025-04-14 03:54