Jim Hartz

Jim Hartz was an American broadcast journalist best known for his tenure as a co-host of the Today show on NBC during the 1970s. His career spanned over three decades, encompassing roles as a national correspondent, anchor for public television programs, and a respected figure in science and space journalism. Hartz was recognized for his calm, authoritative delivery and his ability to explain complex subjects to a broad audience.

Early Life

Jim Hartz was born on February 3, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He developed an early interest in broadcasting while attending Will Rogers High School. He pursued higher education at the University of Tulsa, where he studied radio and television, graduating in 1962. His first professional work was at the campus radio station, KWGS, and he later worked for the local CBS affiliate, KOTV, launching his career in television news.

Career

Hartz began his national television career with NBC News in 1964, initially serving as a correspondent based in New York City. He covered major stories including the Apollo program moon landings and political conventions. In 1974, following the departure of Frank McGee, Hartz was selected to co-host the Today show alongside Barbara Walters, a role he held until 1976. During this period, he interviewed numerous prominent figures, from politicians like Gerald Ford to celebrities such as John Wayne.

After leaving Today, Hartz transitioned to PBS, where he found a long-term professional home. He served as a host and correspondent for the acclaimed science series Nova and anchored the public affairs program The MacNeil/Lehrer Report (later PBS NewsHour). He was a frequent moderator for NASA telecasts and specials, including coverage of Space Shuttle missions. Hartz also hosted the interview program Innovation and was a founding anchor for the Discovery Channel in the 1980s, contributing to its early educational programming.

Personal Life

Hartz was married three times. His first marriage was to Alexandra Dickson from 1964 until their divorce in 1972. He was then briefly married to actress Lois Chiles from 1974 to 1976. In 1980, he married writer and editor Geri Trotta, with whom he had two children and remained until his death. An avid supporter of the arts and education, Hartz served on the board of the National Space Society and was actively involved with the University of Tulsa. He resided for many years in Alexandria, Virginia, where he passed away.

Legacy

Jim Hartz is remembered as a versatile and trusted broadcaster who excelled in both commercial and public television. His work on Nova and with NASA helped demystify science and technology for millions of viewers, cementing his reputation as a leading science communicator. Colleagues often cited his professionalism, Midwestern warmth, and dedication to journalistic integrity. His career arc from a local Oklahoma reporter to a national anchor on NBC and a stalwart of PBS programming illustrates the breadth of his contribution to American electronic journalism.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Hartz received significant accolades for his work. He won an Emmy Award for his contributions to the Today show's coverage. His work on Nova earned the program several awards, including further Emmy Award recognition. He was honored with the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal for his exceptional contributions to public understanding of the space program. The University of Tulsa awarded him a Distinguished Alumni Award, and he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2001.

Category:American television journalists Category:American male journalists Category:Today (American TV program) people Category:People from Tulsa, Oklahoma Category:University of Tulsa alumni