Overview

Paul Henry Kangas (April 14, 1937 – February 28, 2017) was an American broadcaster best known as the co‑anchor of the public television program Nightly Business Report. He guided viewers through daily market summaries and economic developments as a principal presenter from 1979 until his retirement on December 31, 2009. Over more than three decades he became a familiar voice to investors and general audiences alike, helping to bring business journalism into public television programming.

Early life and background

Kangas was born in Houghton, Michigan, and his Midwestern background was frequently noted in profiles of his career. He began in broadcasting during a period when televised business coverage was expanding, and he developed a reputation for explaining financial news in plain language so non‑specialist viewers could follow market events and company headlines. For context about his origins see materials on Houghton.

Career and on‑air style

As co‑anchor of Nightly Business Report, Kangas presented summaries of market action, corporate news, and broader economic trends. His delivery was steady, deliberate and accessible, with an emphasis on clarity rather than technical jargon. He worked with reporters and producers to place market movements into perspective for household investors, retirees and anyone seeking an evening account of financial developments. Colleagues and viewers often recalled his calm demeanor through multiple market cycles and his ability to make complex topics understandable.

Signature sign‑off and public recognition

Kangas became widely associated with his lighthearted closing line: "I'm Paul Kangas, wishing all of you the best of good buys!" The pun on "goodbyes" became a trademark of his broadcasts and is commonly cited in obituaries and remembrances as emblematic of his friendly approach to business journalism. That sign‑off helped humanize nightly market reports and left a lasting impression on viewers.

Retirement and later years

On December 31, 2009, Kangas stepped down from his regular anchoring duties after a tenure of thirty years. In retirement he remained linked to the program's long history and was remembered in media coverage and by former colleagues for his contribution to public television business reporting.

Personal health and death

In later years Kangas faced health challenges. He died on February 28, 2017 in Miami, Florida, after complications related to Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer. Public notices of his passing mentioned both conditions; for general background see resources on Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer.

Legacy and significance

Paul Kangas is remembered as one of the enduring personalities of American business television. His long tenure on a nightly program that brought market news to public television audiences helped normalize financial reporting for non‑specialists and influenced later presenters who sought to balance accuracy with accessibility. Viewers and students of journalism often cite him as an example of how steady presentation and clear explanation can make complex subjects approachable.

Notable aspects

  • Longtime co‑anchor of the nationally distributed public television business program Nightly Business Report.
  • Approachable on‑air style aimed at demystifying markets for everyday viewers.
  • Memorable, punning sign‑off—"the best of good buys"—that became part of his public persona.