Aaron Brown, former CNN anchor, dies at 76 [Video]

Aaron Brown, the renowned CNN anchor who gained prominence for his coverage of the September 11 attacks and his pivotal role in shaping the network’s evening news format, died Sunday at 76, his family said.

Brown’s career in journalism began in local television in Seattle before becoming the founding anchor of ABC’s overnight news program “World News Now” and anchoring “World News Tonight Saturday.”

He later joined CNN, where he became known for his incisive reporting. From 2001 to 2005, he anchored “NewsNight,” a program that combined breaking news with in-depth analysis, and earned acclaim for his ability to handle complex stories with sensitivity and tact.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper called Brown “a great writer and broadcaster.”

“Thoughtful, funny, and diligent, he had a truly unique talent and a beautiful way with words,” Cooper said.