Pioneer anchorman Bob Petty (left) with Reverend Ruben Cruz and Theresa Gutierrez on the set of “Weekend Edition” which premiered on Channel 7 in May 1978. | Chicago Sun-Times File Photo
He was an esteemed anchorman at ABC 7, the place he hosted and produced a number of reveals over three many years.
He was sort, considerate and his influence in journalism will probably be eternal.
Bob Petty spent greater than three many years in entrance of a digital camera delivering the information to Chicagoans as one of many first black anchormen at ABC 7 Chicago/WLS-TV. He was compassionate along with his deliveries and cherished by many.
“We moved to Chicago in 1972 from Arizona and made Hyde Park our home,” stated Petty’s son, Robert Petty III. “We would hear people shouting ‘Hey Bob!” or ‘Hi Mr. Petty!’ and along with his quick, lengthy strides he would stroll as much as them to speak with them.”
Chicago misplaced a broadcasting legend Tuesday morning when Petty died after an prolonged bout with lung most cancers. He was 79.
“He was a pioneer that opened the doors for a great amount of minorities in the journalism business,” his son stated. “He didn’t fear putting himself in front of crowds or out in the public eye.”
“He also wasn’t afraid to hold power to account.”
Petty obtained his begin in journalism at Arizona State University’s broadcast station KAET TV, the place he realized the intricacies of digital camera operation, sound design and video enhancing, in line with The HistoryMakers. In 1970, he graduated from the college with excessive honors.
In 1971, his profession in broadcast journalism kicked off at ABC 7 as a normal task reporter — he was one ABC 7’s first black reporters. By 1975 he turned a member of the station’s “Action 7” information workforce, in line with The HistoryMakers.
Petty would transfer to the channel’s “Saturday Weekend News,” and from 1978 to 1983, he produced and hosted a present known as “Weekend Edition,” which was thought of an progressive 90-minute program.
“He’s an example that it doesn’t matter where you come from, but it’s about what you put your mind to,” his son stated.
He retired in 2002 after working at ABC 7 for 31 years. His storied profession awarded him many accolades.
In 2003, Petty was offered with the Silver Circle Award from the Chicago-Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Science for his contributions in journalism. He was inducted into the Cronkite Hall of Fame in 2007.
“Bob Petty was an outstanding journalist, giving voice to thousands of important Chicago stories during his 31-year career at ABC 7,” stated Jennifer Graves, vp of stories at ABC 7 Chicago. “He handled both anchor and reporting duties with poise, professionalism and grace and paved the way as one of the first full-time African-American anchormen in Chicago.”
Petty is survived by his son, spouse of 56 years Cora and his daughter, Cory. Funeral proceedings are nonetheless being deliberate.
Manny Ramos is a corps member in Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that goals to bolster Sun-Times protection of points affecting Chicago’s South and West sides.