I have a dim memory of hearing about that, but don’t actually recall seeing that particular show. I was in my late teens at the time.
It's exactly the same with me. I have a vague memory of Joe Pyne, but wasn't interested in watching that type of show at the time. I did watch Morton Downey Jr. on a regular basis. When Downey was diagnosed with lung cancer, he started appearing on interview shows like Larry King Live talking about his condition and trying to warn others about the dangers of smoking.