Harold Hayes, a reporter for KDKA-TV, retired yesterday after almost 37 peerless years at the station, the Post-Gazette’s news partner.

“He will be missed” is often said to commemorate a retirement, but in this case, it’s the truth. In the sometimes — no, make that always — fractious world of local journalism, reporters have varying opinions. But when it comes to Mr. Hayes, the verdict is universal: The Pittsburgh native is not only a consummate professional as a reporter, but he treats every colleague with respect — from nervous interns covering their first house fire to seasoned pros like him at the White House or political conventions.

For viewers of local TV news, Mr. Hayes established a gold standard. With his perfect pitch, he made every story work by letting the facts do their job, never overselling for the sake of TV pizzazz. As he told the Post-Gazette’s Maria Sciullo this week, “I just think, if you tell the story, it makes its own gravy.”

In a media landscape that seems to get turned upside down every other month or so, the skills of someone like Harold Hayes become ever more valued. He was a reporter whom viewers would welcome in their homes because he knew what he was talking about and said it so very well. Though Mr. Hayes will probably roll his eyes at another cliche, it’s fair to say: We won’t see the likes of him again.

First Published: April 30, 2016, 4:00 a.m.