Ed Hughes (anchor)

Hughes was a former Navy veteran who had spent four years as a fleet radio operator during his service in the Navy.[2] Hughes was first hired by what was then WTAR-AM after having worked for television stations in Maryland and WXEX-TV in Richmond, Virginia;[3] later being added to what was then WTAR-TV.

Hughes was a trusted anchor for 37 years, known for his ability to report a story in an unbiased fashion that did not favor one side over another. He never embellished a story or sensationalized it for the sake of ratings or to get attention. Hughes won numerous awards for journalism and broadcasting during his career; including Associated Press awards each year from 1972–84,[2] and especially enjoyed reporting on military news. During his tenure, Hughes had served as a reporter, news anchor and for a short time news director.

Hughes was the inspiration for the creation of "WSHS-TV," a news-like TV club at local Smithfield High School founded in 1991 by two senior school students.

He was often referred to as the "Walter Cronkite of Hampton Roads."[4][5]

Hughes had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2002; continuing to work as WTKR noon and 5:30 p.m. anchor as able; stepping aside to undergo chemotherapy in November 2002 before returning three months later,[2] but suffered a "very serious relapse" following surgery in August 2003.[6] He died on June 1, 2004, at the age of 66; leaving seven children and five grandchildren behind. Hughes was also married three times.[2]

• Guest comments on VARTV on Hughes' passing