Jerry Turner (anchorman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Turner
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| Born |
Jerry Jackson Joiner
August 6, 1929 |
| Died | December 31, 1987 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | anchorman |
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Notable credit(s)
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Co-anchor of WJZ-TV, Eyewitness News |
| Spouse(s) | Jean McIntyre (1952-1987, his death) |
Jerry Turner (born August 6, 1929 – died December 31, 1987) was a well-known American television news anchorman. He worked at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, Maryland. Jerry was born in Meridian, Mississippi.
He started working at the Baltimore TV station in August 1962. In 1977, he began co-anchoring the 6 PM newscast with Al Sanders.
Making News Popular
Before Jerry Turner arrived, WJZ-TV's news was not very popular. It was in third place compared to other local news channels. In 1971, WBAL-TV was the most watched. WMAR-TV was second.
Just three years later, everything changed. WJZ-TV became the number one news station. This was thanks to Jerry Turner and his team. The team included Al Sanders, Bob Turk (who did the weather), and Nick Charles (who did sports). They stayed number one through the 1970s and into the 1980s.
Jerry Turner also worked with Oprah Winfrey. She moved to Baltimore in 1976. She became his co-anchor for the 6 PM news.
Later Life and Passing
Jerry Turner lived in Lutherville, Maryland. In December 1986, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He received treatments to help him get better.
He even returned to the news desk in June 1987. However, his health became worse in mid-December 1987. He left the newscast and sadly passed away on December 31, 1987. He died at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. His funeral was held at Towson Presbyterian Church.
His Lasting Impact
Jerry Turner is remembered for his important work in journalism. Each year, the Baltimore Community Foundation gives out college scholarships. These scholarships are in Jerry Turner's name. They help students who want to study broadcast journalism.
After he passed away, Channel 13 broadcast special programs. These programs talked about his life and career. They showed how much he meant to the community.
