LA television legend Tom Van Amburg dies at the age of 83

Los Angeles television legend Tom Van Amburg died on Monday. He was 83 years old.

Amburg became known for transforming the city’s local newscasts when he took over as head of KABC-TV in 1981. There, he launched the legendary morning career of Regis Philbin – whose legacy lives on with ABC’s “Live with Kelly and Mark” – and established LA stars such as 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 station in the City of Angels for years.

According to Deadline, he introduced the concept of network talk shows with shows such as Philbin’s “AM Los Angeles,” the afternoon show “330” and the evening program “Eye on LA.”

He appeared on the station himself, wrote weekly editorials and hosted the “Eyewitness Anonymous” segment, which covered local crime and asked viewers to provide tips.

Amburg ended every “Anonymous Eyewitness” appeal with the slogan: “Hand them over!”

Before landing at KABC, Amburg also worked at the 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 leaves behind Mary, his wife of 50 years, his sons Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s co-head of worldwide video, and Chris Van Amburg, entertainment marketing executive, and six grandchildren.