MUMBAI: Emmy award-winning journalist for MSNBC Jerry Nachman, who spent years in local television news and also edited the New York Post, died of cancer on 20 January at the age of 57.

Nachman, the recipient of a Peabody Award, an Edward R Murrow Award and an Emmy Award, died overnight at his home in Hoboken, New Jersey, the MSNBC network said.

The outspoken journo was also known for his work in front of the camera as host of MSNBC's Nachman show. He had told viewers of the political talk show last January that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

NBC chairman and CEO and vice chairman of General Electric Bob Wright was quoted in media reports saying, "Jerry was well-informed, candid, witty and charming. He was also a gifted newsman and executive, and his passing is a loss not just to NBC but to the entire profession." MSNBC is co-owned by NBC and Microsoft and NBC is owned by GE.

Nachman spent years as a news director in stints with two local New York television stations and also worked as general manager of radio and television stations in Washington. He was editor in chief of the New York Post from 1989 to 1992.

He also worked in late 2001 as a staff writer for the NBC television series UC: Undercover and was a staff writer and executive producer at Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.

NBC News president Neal Shapiro was quoted in a media report saying, "Jerry Nachman will be remembered not only for what he brought to the news - insight, context and a relentless search for the truth - but also for what he brought to the newsroom - integrity, tenacity and a refreshing splash of humor."