Arnold Diaz, an assertive investigative reporter at three New York City television stations, has passed away at the age of 74. Known for his passionate segments that called out con artists, scammers, and others who took advantage of consumers, Diaz aimed not only to help victims but also to expose wrongdoers. His popular investigations, such as “Shame on You” and “Shame, Shame, Shame,” brought attention to issues of lousy landlords, greedy businesses, and incompetent government agencies.

Throughout his career, Diaz fearlessly confronted these malefactors, relentlessly pursuing answers to hold them accountable. His tenacity earned him numerous New York Emmy Awards, and his work had a significant impact. For example, a report on a company selling credit-card-activated fax machines exposed false promises and led to the conviction of the company’s president for wire fraud.

Diaz’s approach to consumer journalism resonated with New Yorkers, who appreciated his efforts to seek revenge on their behalf. Despite facing angry encounters and threats, he never wavered in his commitment to exposing wrongdoings. His legacy includes empowering viewers to resolve issues and inspiring them to demand better treatment from businesses and institutions.

Born on June 16, 1949, in Brooklyn, Diaz began his television career after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies from Florida State University and a master’s in journalism from Northwestern University. He spent over 20 years at WCBS Channel 2 before briefly transitioning to ABC’s “20/20.” However, he found the pace of network journalism not suited to his style and returned to local television. Diaz ended his career at Channels 5 and 11 before retiring.

Diaz’s passionate reporting style can be attributed to his Cuban background and his early upbringing in a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood. His legacy lives on through his son, Alex Diaz, and his impactful work, which called for introspection and urged individuals to do better. Arnold Diaz is survived by his wife, Shawn Callaghan-Diaz, his daughters, Shayna Wade and Casey Diaz, his sister, Susan Enslein, and his twin grandsons. In his retirement, Diaz expressed no regrets, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of consumer journalism.