Talk Show Pioneer Dies - Legendary American radio and television host Joe Franklin has been reported dead at the age of 88.

Reports indicate that he died from prostate cancer over the weekend. Although Franklin is known to have been battling with the illness for some years now, it is unclear what may have exactly led to his death.

The witful interviewer, who claims to have interviewed over 300,000 people in his much storied four-decade-long career, is credited with pioneering television talk shows. On The Joe Franklin Show, Franklin spoke to all sort of characters including celebrities, up-and-coming artists and actors, wannabes and downright weird characters. Franklin is credited with interviewing many actors (such as Al Pacino and Bill Cosby), way before they became big stars.

His friend and producer Steven Garrin, who announced his death, said Franklin gave everybody a chance. "He wanted to give the wannabe's, the never-be's and the ones who were in the spotlight a break, a chance to mingle and get together," he said.

Franklin was associated with entertainment from his teenage years. But his break as a presenter came in the fifties. Franklin is credited with having the longest running on-air television talk show. After his retirement in 1993, he focused on his late-night radio talk show.

According to Garrin, on Tuesday Franklin missed his first scheduled radio broadcast after more than 60 years.

The announcement of the death of Joe Franklin has attracted an outpouring of condolences from fans, who have reminisced on his long career. Funeral arrangements for Franklin are yet to be announced.