By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-09-28 14:00:47 | Updated at 2024-09-30 09:34:53
1 day ago
The pioneering Los Angeles-based journalist Warren Wilson has died at 90 years old.
The trusted former KTLA reporter passed away in his Oxnard, California, home on Friday after a four-decade redefining broadcast media.
His son, Stanley Wilson wrote in a statement: 'His demeanor on the air as an iconic television journalist was just as authentic as he was a father, unsensational, sincere, a voice calming and eloquent.'
During his iconic career, Wilson became one of Los Angeles' first black broadcast journalists and used his platform to discuss police brutality, among other prevalent social issues.
Wilson's career began in the 1950s working in the US Navy's press office, according to the Los Angeles Times. He then moved on to work at the City News Service and the Los Angeles bureau of United Press International.
Renowned broadcaster and reporter Warner Wilson reported for KTLA before retiring in 2005. He died on Friday at 90 years old
Eric Spillman and Wilson smile for a photo. Spillman described Wilson as 'a real pioneer'
In 1969, he began his 15-year stint working for KNBC and NBC news until he was hired by KTLA in 1984.
He retired in 2005, but his legacy of diligence and progress set an unwavering industry standard.
During the early years of his career, Wilson was confronted with threats and adversity rooted in racism. White mobs and police chiefs 'questioned his legitimacy as a black journalist,' the Los Angeles Times reported.
KTLA reporter Eric Spillman, who worked alongside Wilson, told KTLA: 'Warren was a trusted reporter and members of minority communities who were afraid to turn themselves in to police would often contact Warren and arrange to meet with him and he would safely help them turn themselves in.'
Spillman also described him as 'a real pioneer' in an Instagram post about his death.
His reputation at KTLA was someone whom criminals trusted enough to come to before turning themselves in to the police.
Wilson called in his story from the Watts Riots in 1965
Wilson and his wife at in 2002 at the Los Angeles Press Club awards ceremony
Wilson was best known for his coverage of major historical events including the 1965 and 1992 Los Angeles riots against police brutality and racism, the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.
Spillman told KTLA: 'He was brave. During the riots, Warren went down to the South L.A. area and interviewed a shop owner who was trying to put out flames while standing on the roof of a burning building. I will never forget that.'
He also covered the horrific killings of infamous cult leader Charles Manson and the O.J. Simpson trial.
Beyond his news coverage and thorough reporting, Wilson's standout quality was his ability to connect and build trust with various groups of people.
Wilson was able to arrange for 22 wanted fugitives to surrender to law enforcement, including when Wilson met with two people who were responsible for the death of a Los Angeles police officer in 1988 and got them to turn themselves in, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Wilson spoke at the Muslim Public Affairs Council's Annual Media Awards in 2015
His hard work earned Wilson a 1979 Emmy Award for his investigative journalism and a Peabody Award for his riot coverage.
After his retirement, Wilson reflected on his career with the Los Angeles Times: 'I have done everything I’ve set out to do, despite the obstacles that were in my way from the beginning.'
Wilson was the son of North Carolina sharecroppers and the father of six biological children and one step-daughter.
