Mel Showers facts for kids

Melvin J. Showers (born in 1946 – died October 19, 2024) was an American journalist and news presenter. He was well-known for his work at WKRG-TV in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama.

Before starting his TV career, Mel Showers worked in the military. He was an Intelligence Analyst in places like the Far East and Middle East. When he returned to the United States, he began working in broadcasting at WKRG in 1969. He had many different jobs there, including announcer and reporter. By 1980, he became a main news anchor.

Mel Showers was one of the first people of color to anchor a newscast on the Gulf Coast. He helped open doors for others in the news industry. He retired from full-time work at WKRG in 2019 after 50 years. For his long career, he was honored in Alabama's Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He was also named a "Journalist of Distinction" by the National Association of Black Journalists.

Mel Showers: Early Life and Career

Mel Showers was born in 1946 on the north side of Mobile, Alabama. After finishing high school, he joined the United States Air Force. He served as a Military Intelligence Analyst in various parts of the world.

In 1969, he started working part-time at the local TV station WKRG-TV. He began working full-time in March 1970. His first jobs included being a booth announcer. This meant he would announce the station's name live and read commercials. In 1974, he became a reporter for the station's newscast, Newscenter 5. As a reporter, he covered stories about the police, the school board, and local government. He was often the first reporter to arrive at big news events.

That same year, Showers became a co-anchor for the morning news show, Newscenter 5. By 1990, he moved to the evening news. He anchored the 6 PM and 10 PM broadcasts. In 2019, he announced he would retire. His last broadcast was on May 22, 2019. He was given the special title of "Anchor Emeritus." This meant he would still return for "occasional special reports." He would also share his unique thoughts on events happening on the Gulf Coast.

Mel Showers: Personal Life and Passing

Mel Showers was married to Linda Reed Showers. They were married from 1968 until Linda's death in 2012. Mel Showers passed away on October 19, 2024, at the age of 78.

Mel Showers: Education Background

• Central High School, Mobile, AL
• Military Intelligence Academy, San Angelo, TX
• Bishop State Community College, Mobile, AL
• Career Academy of Broadcasting, Houston, TX
• University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL

Mel Showers: Awards and Recognition

Mel Showers received the Mobile Press Club Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also added to Alabama's Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2019, the National Association of Black Journalists named him a "Journalist of Distinction."

A press release from the association explained why he was honored. It said that Showers was celebrated for helping journalists of color in his area. He was the first Black full-time anchor to appear on WKRG. At first, some people in the community were not happy about the station's first Black evening news anchor. However, his friendly smile, passionate reporting, and connection with the community helped him change negative messages into fan mail. Today, many viewers across the Gulf Coast loved him.