Diann Burns facts for kids

Diann Burns, born on September 29, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, is a well-known former television news anchor. She won nine Emmy Awards for her excellent work. She is most famous for anchoring the news in Chicago for many years.

Diann Burns also appeared in several major movies and a TV show. She made history as the first African-American woman to anchor the prime-time news in Chicago. Before becoming a TV anchor, she was a successful newspaper journalist. She earned a special degree in journalism from Columbia University in New York.

About Diann Burns

Her Education Journey

Diann Burns first earned a degree in politics and mass communications from Cleveland State University. Later, she got her master's degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City. This advanced degree helped her become a top journalist.

Her Exciting Career

Diann Burns started her career as a print journalist in Cleveland for The Plain Dealer newspaper in the late 1970s. In 1980, she moved to New York to finish her master's degree.

From 1981 to 1983, she worked at WPIX television. In 1983, she joined WCMH television as a reporter. She quickly became a news anchor there in 1984.

From 1985 to 2003, Diann Burns was a popular news anchor at WLS-TV Chicago. This station is owned by American Broadcasting Company (ABC). She was one of Chicago's highest-paid TV news professionals during this time.

In 2003, she moved to WBBM-TV, which is owned by CBS. She anchored the news there until 2008.

Her Most Challenging Reports

Diann Burns reported live from some very difficult places.

• She reported from war-torn Somalia on her own, without being with U.S. troops.
• She also reported live near a mobile home in Glenview, Cook County, Illinois. This home had explosives that could destroy a whole neighborhood.

Memorable On-Camera Moments

Diann Burns had some unforgettable moments while reporting.

• She met Nelson Mandela during his first visit to the United States. This was after he was released from prison in South Africa.
• She also questioned the man arrested for the murder of Michael Jordan's father.

Career Timeline

Here is a quick look at Diann Burns's career:

• 1974-79: Studied at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio
• 1979–80: Worked at The Plain Dealer (newspaper), Cleveland, Ohio
• 1980-81: Studied at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, New York, NY
• 1981-84: Worked at WPIX Television, New York City, NY
• 1984-85: Worked at WCMH Television, Columbus, Ohio
• 1985–2003: Anchored at WLS Television, Chicago, Illinois
• 2003-08: Anchored at WBBM Television, Chicago, Illinois
• 2008-2011: Worked on Next TV for the Chicago Urban League
• 2011–present: Leads Diann Burns Media, Los Angeles, California

Awards and Recognition

Diann Burns has received many awards for her journalism. She has won nine Emmy Awards. One of these was a national Emmy, and eight were regional awards.

Helping Others

Diann Burns also spends time helping her community.

• She is a spokesperson for Pediatric Aids Chicago.
• She works with Girls in the Game, an organization that helps young girls.
• She is active with the Ronald McDonald House.
• She supports the Northern Illinois Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
• She also helps The Support Group, which assists high school students with school and home life.

Her Family Life

Diann Burns and her son lived in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood for many years.

Film Appearances

Diann Burns has appeared in several major movies. In these films, she played herself, often as a news anchor.

• Richie Rich (1994)
• Primal Fear (1996)
• The Negotiator (1998)

Television Roles

Diann Burns has also acted in at least one television drama. In this role, she played a character different from herself.

• Boss - In 2011, she appeared in episode 5 of this show. It starred Kelsey Grammer and aired on Starz.