Biography

John Roland (November 25, 1941 – May 7, 2023) was an American news presenter and reporter.

Pittsburgh native Roland began his broadcasting career in the 1960s, working for NBC News in Los Angeles and covering high-profile events such as the Robert F. Kennedy assassination and the Charles Manson trial. He joined WNEW-TV in New York City in 1969 and remained there for the rest of his career. Roland served as a political reporter, weekend anchor, and main anchor for various newscasts. He retired in 2004 after a long tenure with the station.

In 1988, Roland was suspended by WNYW-TV for an on-air argument with a mentally-ill homeless woman, Joyce Brown. He later apologized, and the station broadcast his apology. Roland has also made film appearances as a television anchor and as himself. In 1983, Roland disarmed and shot a robber during a late-night restaurant robbery, sustaining a head injury that required stitches.