Trudy Haynes was an Emmy Award-winning journalist who became the first Black TV weather reporter in the U.S. and the first Black TV reporter in Philadelphia.
- Died: June 7, 2022 (Who else died on June 7?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 95.
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Groundbreaking career
Haynes began her career as a model, becoming the first Black person to appear in an ad for Lucky Strike cigarettes. She began working in radio in the 1950s at WCHB in the Detroit area. She rose from receptionist to Women’s Editor, hosting a daily broadcast for women listeners. In 1963, Haynes jumped to TV at Detroit’s WXYZ-TV, presenting the weather as the nation’s first Black weather reporter. Two years later, she accepted a position at Philadelphia’s KYW-TV, where she was the city’s first Black TV journalist. She remained at KYW for more than 30 years, winning an Emmy Award for her work on “Eyewitness News.” Haynes remained active after her 1999 retirement from KYW, including presenting the online “Trudy Haynes Show.” She was widely celebrated with honors including membership in the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame and a lifetime achievement award from the National Coalition Of 100 Black Women.
Notable quote
“When they say, ‘Hey, you’re the first,’ that puts a lot of responsibility on your shoulders automatically. I’ve got to be good.” —from a 2021 interview for CBS Philly
Tributes to Trudy Haynes
Full obituary: The Philadelphia Inquirer
