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US Television Host Larry King Dies Aged 87: CNN

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - Larry King, who quizzedthousands of world leaders,
   politicians and entertainers for CNNand other news outlets in a career
   spanning more than sixdecades, has died at age 87, CNN reported
   Saturday, citing asource close to the family.
   King had been hospitalized in Los Angeles with a COVID-19infection,
   according to several media reports. He had enduredhealth problems for
   many years, including a near-fatal stroke in2019 and diabetes.
   He had been hospitalized at Cedars Sinai Medical Center inLos Angeles
   for more than a week, CNN reported.
   Millions watched King interview world leaders, entertainersand other
   celebrities on CNN's "Larry King Live," which ran from1985 to 2010.
   Hunched over his desk in rolled-up shirt sleevesand owlish glasses, he
   made his show one of the network's primeattractions with a mix of
   interviews, political discussions,current event debates and phone calls
   from viewers.
   Even in his heyday, critics accused King of doing littlepre-interview
   research and tossing softball questions to guestswho were free to give
   unchallenged, self-promoting answers. Heresponded by conceding he did
   not do much research so that hecould learn along with his viewers.
   Besides, King said, he neverwanted to be perceived as a journalist.
   "My duty, as I see it, is I'm a conduit," King told theHartford Courant
   in 2007. "I ask the best questions I can. Ilisten to the answers. I try
   to follow up. And hopefully theaudience makes a conclusion. I'm not
   there to make a conclusion.I'm not a soapbox talk-show host... So,what
   I try to do ispresent someone in the best light."

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