Longtime WABC host Gil Noble has died, the ABC O&O announced today. He was 80.

Noble was the host of WABC’s “Like It Is,” a weekly public affairs program created by the station 1968 to fill a void in African-American programming. He joined WABC in 1967 as a reporter and weekend evening anchor. He continued to work at the station until he suffered a stroke in August.

“Gil Noble’s life and work had a profound effect on our society and culture,” WABC president and GM Dave Davis said in a statement. “His contributions are a part of history and will be remembered for years to come.”

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Gil Noble — a veteran local reporter who has been with New York City’s WABC since 1967 — is stable after suffering a serious stroke.

Noble joined WABC as a correspondent in 1967. In 1968, Noble joined “Like It Is,” a weekly a weekly public affairs program that was created by the ABC O&O  in 1968 to fill a void in African-American programming. He has been the host of that program ever since.

“For those of us who know Gil, we know the best medicine is his fighting spirit, and all the support from his family and friends,” WABC general manager Dave Davis said in a memo to staff that was obtained by The New York Daily News.

No details were released on Noble’s return to the station, but Davis said in the memo he looks forward to welcoming him back to work. In his absence, WABC plans to air classic archival shows of “Like It Is.”