Pioneering Los Angeles journalist Warren Wilson has died at the age of 90.
The trusted former KTLA reporter died Friday at his home in Oxnard, California, after four decades of redefining the broadcast media.
His son Stanley Wilson wrote in a statement: “His demeanor as an iconic television journalist was as authentic as he was a father: unsensational, sincere, a voice that was calm and eloquent.”
During his iconic career, Wilson became one of the first black journalists in Los Angeles and used his platform to discuss police brutality, among other things.
Wilson’s career began in the 1950s, when he worked in the US Navy press office 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 on Friday at the age of 90
Eric Spillman and Wilson smile for a photo. Spillman described Wilson as ‘a true pioneer’
In 1969, he began his 15-year stint at KNBC and NBC News until he was hired by KTLA in 1984.
He retired in 2005, but his dedication and progress set an unwavering standard in the industry.
During the early years of his career, Wilson faced threats and setbacks stemming from racism. White gangs and police chiefs “questioned his legitimacy as a black journalist,” the Los Angeles Times reported.
KTLA reporter Eric Spillman, who worked with Wilson, reported it KTL: “Warren was a trusted reporter, and members of minority communities who were afraid of turning themselves in to police would often contact Warren and schedule an appointment with him, and he would help them safely turn themselves in.”
Spillman also described him as ‘a true pioneer’ in an Instagram post about his death.
His reputation at KTLA was someone criminals trusted enough to go to before turning themselves in to the police.
Wilson cited his story about 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, “He was brave. During the riots, Warren went to the South LA 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 that.’
He also reported on the gruesome murders of infamous cult leader Charles Manson and the OJ Simpson trial.
In addition to his reporting and thorough reporting, Wilson’s standout quality was his ability to connect and build trust with diverse groups of people.
Wilson was able to get 22 wanted fugitives to surrender to police, including when Wilson met two people responsible for the 1988 death of a Los Angeles police officer and got them to turn themselves in, police said. Los Angeles Times.
Wilson spoke at the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s annual Media Awards in 2015
His hard work earned Wilson an Emmy Award for his investigative journalism in 1979 and a Peabody Award for his reporting on riots.
After retiring, Wilson reflected on his career at the Los Angeles Times: “I did everything I wanted 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.