Tom Jarriel, a celebrated reporter whose work significantly impacted American journalism, passed away on Thursday in Annapolis, Maryland. He was 89 years old. His passing was confirmed by his son, Steve, following a debilitating stroke he suffered last year.
Starting his career with the ABC newsmagazine "20/20" in 1979, Jarriel brought compelling stories to national attention for 23 years. His work often shed light on the grim realities faced by marginalized populations around the globe, including harrowing reports on child victims of conflicts in Mozambique and famine in Ethiopia.
"Tom and I didn't seek out happy stories," said Janice Tomlin, his longtime producer. "You really had to be in dire straits for us to cover your situation." One of his most notable stories detailed the plight of malnourished and abused orphans in Romania, revealing shocking conditions within state-run institutions.
His findings were groundbreaking; Jarriel described the stark and alarming reality of children who were treated inhumanely, stating, “These are not the orphanages seen before on American television. These are state-run asylums shrouded in secrecy.” In 1990 reports, he exposed the tragic circumstances where many innocent children were hidden away, suffering immensely from neglect and malnutrition.
Tomlin recalled the despairing scenes they encountered, raising awareness about the harrowing conditions in which these children lived. “We found children in cages, with their heads shaved, four to a crib... It was like Auschwitz,” she recounted, highlighting the urgent need for reform and compassion in their treatment.
Jarriel's commitment to uncovering the truth and giving a voice to the voiceless earned him numerous accolades throughout his three-decade career at ABC. His legacy continues through those he inspired and the stories he courageously shared with the world.
