New York local news legend John Roland dies at 81

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A legend of New York local news has died - former Fox 5 anchor John Roland.

For nearly 30 years, Roland delivered the news to New Yorkers at 10 every night.

He first joined the station in 1969 when Channel 5 was still part of Metromedia. He took over as the main anchor in 1979.

Roland had a gritty style that became familiar to everyone in New York.

Roland retired in 2004, but his style influenced many journalists still working today.

Roland was 81.

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