One of the most recognizable national radio voices is gone. CBS Radio newsman Bob Fuss has died at the age of 64. CBS News General Manager Craig Swagler said, “Bob was an extraordinary reporter with a true skill for making complicated stories relatable for everyday people. Not only was Bob an outstanding journalist, he was an all-around optimistic and funny person. A true joy to work with.” Fuss had a rare type of leukemia.
The on-air work he did for his college radio station at Stanford in the early 1970s, including reporting on the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, led to freelance work with United Press International, which didn’t know of his disability. He would become the news service’s bureau chief in Los Angeles in the 1980s. He covered 15 straight Academy Awards and the presidential campaign of Ronald Reagan.
Fuss joined CBS News from Mutual and NBC Radio where he covered Capitol Hill for seven years. From 1977 to 1991 he was correspondent and Los Angeles bureau chief for UPI Radio Network. He also worked for UPI in New York and Dallas. Fuss reported on national political conventions beginning in 1976 and traveled on presidential campaigns beginning in 1980, when he covered Ronald Reagan’s campaign and election.
The Radio-TV Correspondents Association presented its 2015 Career Achievement Award to Fuss, recognizing his stellar reporting career.
Fuss is survived by his mother Carolyn Fuss of Palm Desert, CA, his sister Dr. Lorri Hilbert (John) of San Diego, and several nieces and nephews.
