Warren Wilson, the pioneering Los Angeles-based journalist, has died at age 90.
The trusted former KTLA reporter passed away at his home in Oxnard, California, on Friday after four decades redefining broadcast media.
His son, Stanley Wilson, wrote in a statement: “His on-air demeanor as an iconic television journalist was as authentic as a father, unsensational, sincere, a calming and eloquent voice.”
During his iconic career, Wilson became one of the first black television journalists in Los Angeles and used his platform to speak out about police brutality, among other prevailing social issues.
Wilson’s career began in the 1950s working in the U.S. Navy press office, according to the Los Angeles Times. He then went on to work at 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 Friday at age 90.
Eric Spillman and Wilson smile for a photo. Spillman described Wilson as “a true 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 standard in the industry.
During the early years of his career, Wilson faced 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, said KTLA: ‘Warren was a reliable reporter and members of minority communities who were afraid to turn themselves in to the police would often contact Warren and arrange a meeting with him and he would help them turn themselves in safely.’
Spillman also described him as “a true pioneer” in an Instagram post about his death.
His reputation at KTLA was as someone criminals trusted enough to turn to before turning themselves in to police.
Wilson told his story of the 1965 Watts riots.
Wilson and his wife at the 2002 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, and the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.
Spillman told KTLA: ‘It was brave. During the riots, Warren went to the South Los Angeles area and interviewed a store owner who was trying to put out flames while standing on the roof of a burning building. I’ll never forget it.’
He also covered the horrific murders of infamous cult leader Charles Manson and the OJ Simpson trial.
Beyond his news coverage and in-depth 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 authorities, even as Wilson met with two people responsible for the death of a Los Angeles police officer in 1988 and got them to surrender, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Wilson spoke at the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s annual media awards in 2015.
Her hard work earned Wilson an Emmy Award in 1979 for her investigative journalism and a Peabody Award for her riot coverage.
Following his retirement, Wilson reflected on his career in the Los Angeles Times: ‘I have done everything I set out to do, despite the obstacles that stood in my way from the beginning.’
Wilson was the son of North Carolina sharecroppers and the father of six biological children and a stepdaughter.
