Warner Saunders facts for kids

Warner Saunders was a famous TV news anchor in Chicago. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 30, 1935, and passed away there on October 9, 2018. Warner was known for co-anchoring the 10 PM news at WMAQ-TV, also known as NBC 5. He often worked alongside Allison Rosati. Warner Saunders went to Xavier University of Louisiana for his first degree and later earned a master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University. He lived in Chicago with his wife, Sadako.

Warner Saunders' Amazing Career

Warner Saunders had a long and successful career in television and public service. He was honored by being part of the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame. He also joined the Chicago Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Silver Circle. This group recognizes people who have worked in television for 25 years or more.

Warner was once the President of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists from 1996 to 1997. In 1990, he traveled to South Africa. There, he reported on the historic release of Nelson Mandela from prison. His reports led to a special TV show called South Africa: What Happens to a Dream Deferred?

Before joining WMAQ, Warner worked at another TV station, WBBM. At WBBM, he was the Director of Community Affairs. He also hosted a show called Common Ground. Many kids knew him from his children's show, The Good Gang Express.

Warner Saunders even appeared on TV shows! He played a news anchorman in the second season of the drama series ER. This show was also set in Chicago and aired on NBC. He played a similar role in the second season of The West Wing. Both shows were made by the same producers.

Before his TV career, Warner was a public school teacher. He also worked with young people as a youth worker. He was an Executive Director for the Boys Club. He made a documentary for Chicago's WBBM-TV called The End of the Line. This film helped start investigations into local issues.

He taught at several places, including Chicago Public Schools. He also taught at National College of Education (now National Louis University), Malcolm X College, Northeastern Illinois University, and Indiana University. At Indiana University, he was even voted "teacher of the year" two times in a row!

Warner Saunders retired from the 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts in 2009. He then retired from the 10 PM newscast on May 20, 2009. After retiring, he planned to work on "diversity education." This means teaching people about different cultures and backgrounds.

His long career in broadcasting was celebrated on May 16, 2009. The Museum of Broadcast Communications held an event called "A Salute to Warner Saunders." It took place at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago.

Warner Saunders' Passing

Warner Saunders passed away on the evening of October 9, 2018. He collapsed in Chicago and was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital in Lincoln Park. He was 83 years old.

Awards and Honors

Warner Saunders won many awards for his work. He earned 20 Emmy Awards for different types of shows. These included news, sports, documentaries, children's shows, talk shows, and town meetings.

He also received other important awards. These include the Illinois Broadcasters Association Public Service Award. He won the Gabriel Award and The Ohio State Award. In 1999, he received the Hull House Jane Addams Award. This award recognized his strong commitment to helping the Chicago community.

Warner's Time at Xavier University

Warner Saunders was also a talented basketball player. He played for Xavier University of Louisiana. On January 11, 1956, he scored 32 points in a game. His team won 71–67 against their city rival, Dillard.