Emmy-winning Atlanta journalist and pioneer Maynard Eaton dead at 73

With a career spanning over five decades, Eaton was instrumental in being one of the first Black male journalists on primetime television and one of the most respected media professionals in Atlanta's journalism community. (Courtesy of the Eaton family)

Former Atlanta television news reporter and Emmy Award-winning journalist Maynard Eaton died Tuesday evening, according to a statement from his family.

Eaton’s cause of death has been linked to a short battle with lung cancer.

With a career spanning over five decades, Eaton was instrumental in being one of the first Black male journalists on primetime television and one of the most respected media professionals in Atlanta’s journalism community.