BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Back in 1980, a 22-year-old Ed Reilly walked into the 7 Eyewitness News building to begin his career.
Reilly started as an intern in the commercial production department, becoming a Niagara County stringer in summer. By November 1980, he was hired full-time. One of his first assignments was covering a vigil for John Lennon in Toronto.
In 2009, he made the transition from photojournalist to multi-media journalist, taking a turn in front of the camera.
From following the Love Canal environmental crisis to the current global pandemic and countless stories in between, Reilly's coverage behind and in front of the camera has been a constant in Western New York. Along the way, he has received awards from the Associated Press and National Press Photographers Association, among others.
In January 2021, Ed Reilly's 40-year career at WKBW will come to an end. Ed announced his retirement to the 7 Eyewitness News team on Wednesday.
I am very proud of my 40-year career and thank WKBW-TV for the opportunity it gave me to grow from intern to news photographer to multimedia journalist.
I have been blessed to work with so many amazing people at CH7 through the years. They are not just co-workers but my friends also.
Covering Western New York is the best assignment anyone could ask for. The people here are fantastic and I am honored to have been given a chance to tell their stories.
While my role at 7 Eyewitness News will soon be coming to an end, I hope that my efforts over four decades helped inform our viewers and provide insight into the wonderful community that I have called home for my entire life.
Ed's commitment to storytelling, his kindness, and his work ethic are unmatched. His presence in our newsroom will be greatly missed. We are excited for Ed to enjoy more time with his family. We wish him the very best in his retirement.
