Eric Paulsen Death, Obituary: Anchor/Reporter at WWL-TV Eric Paulsen Passes Away at 74 After Battle with Cancer
The city of New Orleans is mourning the death of a beloved voice and veteran journalist, Eric Paulsen, who died at the age of 74 after a long and brave fight with cancer. WWL-TV, where Paulsen worked for the duration of his 50-year career, confirmed his passing. Paulsen, a legendary personality in New Orleans media, has had a major impact on the community and journalism in general, with his legacy defining the morning news environment for future generations. For many New Orleans residents, waking up seeing Eric Paulsen on their televisions was as much a part of their daily routine as seeing the sunrise. Paulsen’s death is a loss not only for WWL-TV, but also for the community he has called home for the most of his life.
Eric Paulsen was born on July 13, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, with aspirations to become a veterinarian. However, a journalism degree from Southern Illinois University sent him on a different route, one that would eventually make him a cherished household name in Louisiana. Paulsen began his radio and television career at his alma university, where he worked in a variety of positions that laid the groundwork for his eventual success in broadcast journalism. His first work after graduation was as a radio disc jockey in Iowa and Illinois, followed by his first television gig in Savannah, Georgia, before moving to Madison, Wisconsin. By the time he arrived to New Orleans, his distinct style and commitment to storytelling were clear.
When Paulsen joined WWL-TV in the late 1970s, he soon found a niche in morning television, a format that was not then as popular as it is today. Over the next five decades, he established himself as one of New Orleans’ most trusted news sources, revolutionizing morning television with his charisma, sense of humor, and sensitive reporting. In his work, Paulsen not only provided viewers with the most recent news, but also comfort and security amid some of New Orleans’ most difficult times, ranging from natural catastrophes to social turmoil.
Throughout his career, Paulsen covered a wide range of key events that affected the city’s history. From the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the subsequent reconstruction efforts, Paulsen was there to deliver empathic yet informative coverage. His impassioned and detailed reporting earned him admiration and trust, and he became a dependable source of information for viewers navigating the storm’s aftermath.
Paulsen’s legacy includes more than just high-profile news items. Over the years, he interviewed a wide range of people, from local officials to celebrities, to learn about New Orleans culture, arts, and traditions. His interviews were frequently characterized by warmth, humor, and the ability to put his guests at ease. Viewers remember him warmly for his Mardi Gras segments, which highlighted the liveliness of New Orleans’ unique traditions. Paulsen was more than just a reporter; he was a storyteller with a strong attachment to the city he had grown to love.