Groundbreaking Journalist Jim Lehrer Dead At Age 85

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Tributes are pouring in for Jim Lehrer, the longtime co-host and co-founder of "PBS Newshour."

PBS announced Lehrer died peacefully in his sleep at age 85.

Lehrer was known for his thoughtful, low-key style. He first appeared on PBS in the 1970s, where he stayed for more than three decades.

Lehrer also moderated a dozen presidential debates and wrote several books.

The exact cause of death was not revealed, but Lehrer had a history of heart issues - most recently undergoing heart valve surgery in 2008.