Veteran Turkish television journalist and news anchor Reha Muhtar died early Wednesday at a hospital in Bodrum, where he had been receiving treatment for heart failure and other health problems.
Muhtar, one of the most recognizable figures in Turkish television news, was 66.
Acıbadem Bodrum Hospital said in a written statement that Muhtar was brought to the hospital on May 28 and that medical examinations found advanced heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, an infection and metabolic imbalance linked to uncontrolled diabetes.
“He developed multiple organ failure in the General Intensive Care Unit, and despite all medical interventions, he died today at 2:15 a.m.,” the hospital said.
Born in İstanbul in 1959, Muhtar began his journalism career in 1980 and became known for his work at Turkey’s TRT public broadcaster, including as a correspondent in Athens and later as the host of the program “Ateş Hattı” (Line of Fire).
He rose to national prominence in the 1990s and went on to work for major Turkish television stations, including Kanal D, Show TV, Star TV, ATV, FOX, CNN Türk and Kanaltürk.
Muhtar was particularly remembered for his distinctive presentation style on Show TV’s main evening news bulletin, which made him one of the most talked-about television journalists of the period. He also wrote columns for several newspapers, including Akşam, Star, Sabah and Vatan.