Jim Ruddle, a newsman of 'old school' values and talent, dies at 94

Jim Ruddle, a veteran U.S. newsman whose “old school” approach emphasized being first but accurate, died Thursday in Rye, New York, at age 94. His family announced the death on social media, citing natural causes. Former colleagues and competitors praised his writing and judgment, with Bill Kurtis describing his fairness and clarity and recalling a talent for journalism that left a mark among names including Cronkite and others. Ruddle was born May 20, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1951 for three years, and later worked across stations including WGN, WMAQ, PBS, and WTTW. He also became an NBC regional correspondent and moved back to WMAQ in 1977.