Legendary Boston Anchor is Dead

Tom Ellis, a legend of broadcast journalism in Boston, has died.

Ellis is the only person to have anchored top-rated television newscasts at each of Boston’s network affiliates in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Ellis began his career in Texas before coming to Boston in 1968. He was the solo anchor of the 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts at WBZ-TV from 1968 to 1974, when he was then paired with Tony Pepper for what was called the “Ellis-Pepper Bandwagon.”

WBZ reported on his passing. He was 86 years old.

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