Al Sanders
Al Sanders | |
|---|---|
| Born | Albert Gay March 13, 1941 |
| Died | May 5, 1995 (aged 54) |
| Occupation | anchorman |
| Notable credit(s) | Co-anchor of WJZ-TV, Eyewitness News |
| Spouse | Ruth |
| Children | Brandon, Christopher and Tisha |
Al Sanders (March 13, 1941 - May 5, 1995), was an American television news anchorman at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, Maryland. He helped take a third place television newscast to first place, where it stayed throughout his career.
Background
In 1967 Sanders, as Al Gay, worked for radio station KXLW, in St. Louis, Missouri; in 1969 he changed stations and his name. His new station: KWK, St. Louis, his new name: Al Sanders.[1] Sanders joined WJZ-TV in 1972. Five years later, he would replace Oprah Winfrey as Jerry Turner's co-anchor.[2] Turner and Sanders were Baltimore's top news team until 1987, when Turner succumbed to esophageal cancer. Denise Koch joined Sanders on the anchor desk as a fill-in, gaining the role permanently in 1988. Sanders won Emmy Awards in 1993 and 1994 for his regularly featured specialty report, "Picture This."[3] In March 1995, Sanders was diagnosed with lung cancer. Sanders died at the Johns Hopkins Hospital on May 5, 1995, and was replaced by Vic Carter, formerly of WSB-TV in Atlanta.
Legacy
Each year, the Baltimore Community Foundation awards college scholarships in the name of Al Sanders for those students who are musically inclined.[4] In Baltimore, a section of Druid Park Drive between Park Heights Avenue and Clipper Road has been named in his honor.
References
- ^ "Radio Broadcasting History: Al 'Scoop' Sanders". 440 International Inc. Archived from the original on 2013-05-26. Retrieved 2008-04-17.
- ^ "When Oprah Was Ours". Baltimore (magazine). Retrieved 2019-03-06.
- ^ "Al Sanders; News Broadcaster, 54". New York Times. 1995-05-07. Retrieved 2008-04-17.
- ^ Lee, Peggy (2008-02-08). "Scholarships Turn College Dreams Into Realities". WJZ-TV. Retrieved 2008-04-17.[dead link]