Bob-Teague-Obituary

Bob Teague

Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) - Bob Teague, a former news anchor, reporter and producer and one of New York City's first black television journalists, has died. He was 84.

WNBC says Teague died Thursday. His widow, Jan, told The New York Times that he suffered from T-cell lymphoma.

Teague was a veteran newspaper reporter when joined New York's NBC affiliate in 1963. He previously worked at the Milwaukee Journal and The New York Times.

At WNBC, he became a correspondent for "Harlem: Test for the North," an hour-long program started after riots broke out area. He also covered other minority communities during the tumultuous 1960s.

"They felt black reporters would be invulnerable in a riot," Teague said in a 1981 interview.

Teague often subbed on NBC network news and sports programs, but he was critical of the industry that employed him.

"How can you make the decisions about your lives, your family, your business if what you are getting is in formation about what the beautiful people are doing?" Teague wrote in a 1982 book, "Live and Off-Color: News Biz."

He retired from WNBC in 1991.

Teague also was the author of several other books including "Letters to a Black Boy," addressed to his then-1-year-old son.

He wrote three works of children's fiction with titles such as "Agent K-Thirteen the Super-Spy."

WNBC anchor Chuck Scarborough said Teague was "driven to excel and tireless in his pursuit of the truth."

"He was also a valuable mentor to those of us who followed in his footsteps," Scarborough said. "Bob's achievements and integrity stand as an example for us all."

WNBC praised Teague in a statement as "a broadcast pioneer with a passion for news and for serving his New York viewers."


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I wanted to add how PROUD the Crawford & Teague family is of Robert's achievements to the world of broadcasting being the 1st NEWSCASTER who happened to be a BLACKMAN. He is a HERO & opened the door for others to follow. Thank you so much.

To The Teague Family : We don't know each other but i'm a cousin on the Teague family side. My grandmother was a Teague : Mattie Teague . I was told abt Robert my dad James C Crawford is two yrs younger than Bob we live n Indpls , In . I'm so sorry the family never kelp up w/one another. My deepest condolences & prayers for all. Blessings Wanda Crawford 4/15/2023

Bob was such a delight to know. We met I south Brunswick New Jersey where I’m both lived. His wife Jan a a sweet lovely Woman.i have Tried to get her number since I saw the notice about Bob yesterday. I am a few years late but I want you to know Jan Norman and Linda Marcelle have not forgotten you and Bob and want to say thank you for extending friendship to us. We now love in Orlando Fl. Hope to here back from Jan

BOB WAS INSIGHTFUL, GENUINE, AND VERY LOVING. ALTHOUGH WE NEVER MET, HIS BOOK "LETTERS TO A BLACK BOY" SHARED A LOT OF LIGHT TO ME ABOUT WHO HE WAS AS A BLACK MAN.

I'veknown Bob since our college years. He was distinguished then, and always since.

My thoughts and prayers to the Teague family. A great journalist and author. May he rest in peace.

My condolences to Adam and his family during this time of Grief.

To The Teague family, I have known Bob for the last 20 years..we were not close friends.. but I considered him a friend never the less.. he always had a smile and looked forward to his tenis and bridge.. and always said it the way it was..true to his beliefs. A man of true values and integrity.