April 29, 2003

CHRIS BORGEN, WCBS-TV NEWS REPORTER
FOR THREE DECADES, DIES AT 76

Chris Borgen, who was a distinguished reporter for WCBS-TV News for three decades, died from pulmonary fibrosis on April 25 at Pascack Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J. He was 76.

Borgen joined the station in 1966, after working as a New York City Police detective, a radio newscaster and a moderator for an overseas television program. He proved to be an astute reporter, particularly while on the scene covering breaking crime stories.

For his outstanding reporting, Borgen earned more than 130 awards during his career, including the prestigious Governor's Award from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences. Additionally, he was honored by the Associated Press Broadcaster's Association, and the Deadline Club, the New York City Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Borgen retired in 1995.

In addition to Borgen's reporting on the station's News at 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM, he hosted public affairs programs such as "Channel 2 The People" and "Channel 2 Eye On." His popular "Police Files" series resulted in more than 40 felony arrests and the recovery of more than two-and-a-half million dollars in stolen property.

Prior to joining WCBS-TV, Borgen was a NYPD detective for eight years, earning 19 citations for bravery. He also served as the on-air moderator for the television series "Experts Answer," a U.S.I.A.-sponsored program televised in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. From 1963-65, he was news writer and broadcaster for WINS-AM in New York and, prior to that, he was Director of Operations at WNCN in New York.

A native of New York City, Borgen attended City College and Columbia University. In 1984, he received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Felician College in New Jersey. He is survived by his wife, Mitsu, of Ridgewood, N.J., their son, Christopher and his wife, Laurie, of Bloomfield, N.J., and a granddaughter, Maggie.

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CBS 2 Contact: Karen L. Mateo 212/975-6788 klmateo@cbs.com