Journalism as a trade is undergoing a strange shift, both in ideals and applications. As this is happening, there’s an Old Guard who carried the torch for traditional journalism their entire lives who are dying off, leaving a legacy and an example for others to follow. One of these is Jimmy Breslin, who passed away recently at the age of 88.

Breslin was more than a dynamic writer and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist. He will be remembered as a champion of the people, one of NYC’s shining voices in support of the working man. His columns in the New York Daily News served as a clarion call and a wake-up call, whichever was needed at the time, to rally people or to chastise those in power who had forgotten who they should serve.

Prolific is one of those terms which is thrown around a lot these days, especially when discussing someone who has passed on. But if a term ever applied to anyone, it certainly fit Breslin, who saw his byline not only in the Daily News but also in the New York Post, Newsday, New York Herald Tribune and the New York Journal American. In all times and in every venue his pen served the common folks, defending and proclaiming their value and their inherent rights.

Some New Yorkers will remember Breslin teaming up with fellow scribe Norman Mailer to challenge John Lindsay for mayor. The political bid came up short, of course, but that didn’t stop them from making their point.

Of course, Breslin’s name is also connected to one of NYC’s darkest times in recent memory. When David Berkowitz, the notorious Son of Sam serial killer, was on the loose, he frequently wrote to Breslin. The journalist refused to allow the killer to use him to help terrify the people. He always told Berkowitz the best thing would be to stop, to give himself up.

After his death, Breslin was eulogized by Senator Chuck Schumer, who said “…the sidewalks of New York have lost a great one… every day, Breslin showed how great the average New Yorker was…”

It was this voice that New York will miss the most. So many people know NYC as a place of places, the home of Times Square, Manhattan, and Lady Liberty. But those of us who live and work here have come to love the people – the dynamic, hardworking, talented, and creative people who really make this city thrive. That’s what Breslin brought every day, and we’re grateful for it.

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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.