NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Peter Haskell has been a staple of local news coverage in New York for three decades but the award winning reporter has announced he’s leaving his position at WCBS Newsradio 880.
As a journalist known for his dogged reporting and the humanity in his storytelling, Haskell announced he is resigning because of a progressive vocal disorder.
In a note to staff, Haskell said he has been suffering from a rare disorder of the voice or "spasmodic dysphonia," which has forced him to step away from his career as a radio reporter.
“I’ve come to the realization that what I’ve been doing is unsustainable. As much as I’ve tried, I just can’t overcome the problems with my voice,” Haskell said.
The veteran reporter also reflected on his long career at WCBS in his email calling it “the journey of a lifetime.”
“I’m so grateful to have covered so many exciting events and memorable stories and to have met so many terrific people,” the email read. “I’ve said for years, this is the best job in the world and I’ve loved it. Part of the fun has been sharing this ride with you. It’s been a privilege working with so many smart, talented and committed professionals. You’re the best of the best and you prove it every day. From the time I was a kid, I wanted to be on the radio. I had a cassette recorder and microphone from the five-and-dime and would do play-by-play off the TV and host my own shows. I’ve been fortunate to have lived my dream.”
A few years back, Haskell said he developed spasmodic dysphonia which diminished his on air performance to the point where it was simply unsustainable. He called his situation “life altering” but not “life threatening.”
Haskell’s career is marked by award winning coverage of some of the biggest stories and important events. From the Miracle on the Hudson Plane Crash, eight Political Conventions, seven World Series, Super Storm Sandy, the Sandy Hook School Shooting and more than 20 New York City Marathons.
But the biggest story Haskell covered was the September 11 terror attacks in New York City and the two decades of follow up on the health and welfare of our community. Haskell’s coverage of the mission to fully fund the World Trade Center Victims Compensation Fund has been cited by advocates as having contributed to that successful fight.
In his letter to coworkers, Haskell added “I’m not sure what’s next, but I’m not retiring. I’m figuring out my second act and am open to suggestions and opportunities.”
A trusted colleague and dear friend to those on the 880 staff, Haskell is known for his selflessness, character, and news smarts. He told friends “I’m leaving with a swirl of emotions, most notably gratitude.”
Haskell, whose last day will be October 31, closed out the letter with departing words.
“I might have trouble speaking, but I haven’t lost my voice.”
Haskell wrote the following letter to his news colleagues on Thursday:
For more information about spasmodic dysphonia, visit www.dysphonia.org.