Bob Petty facts for kids
Robert Petty (November 26, 1940 – February 18, 2020) was a well-known American television reporter and news anchor. He spent almost his entire career at Chicago's WLS-TV station. He worked there for 31 years before retiring in 2002.
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Who Was Robert Petty?
Robert Petty was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He became famous for his work in television news. He was a respected voice in Chicago for many years.
Early Life and Learning
Robert Petty finished his studies at Arizona State University in 1970. He then continued his education later in life. In 1979, he earned a master's degree in Communications from Governors State University. He also received an honorary degree from the same university in 2005. This showed how much his work was valued.
A Pioneer in Television News
Petty started working at WLS-TV in 1971. He began as a general assignment reporter. This means he covered many different types of news stories. He was one of the first Black reporters at the station. This was an important step in television news.
By the late 1970s, Robert Petty became an anchor for the station's Saturday Weekend News. An anchor is someone who presents the news from the studio. He helped many people stay informed about what was happening.
Honored for His Work
Throughout his career, Robert Petty received several important recognitions. In 1987, he was named a William Benton Fellow at the University of Chicago. This is a special honor for people in journalism.
In 2007, he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. This happened at ASU's Cronkite School of Journalism. Being in a Hall of Fame means you are recognized for being one of the best in your field.
Robert Petty passed away on February 18, 2020, at the age of 79. He left behind a legacy as a dedicated journalist and a pioneer in television news.
