Longtime WISN 12 News reporter and anchor Mike Anderson, who died suddenly Tuesday at age 67, was remembered by colleagues at Channel 12 and political figures for his professionalism, approachability, infectious smile, friendship and mentorship.
“Mike Anderson was a transformative figure in the history of television news in Milwaukee,” said WISN News Director Ben Hart in a statement. “In his storied career, he broke class and color barriers and set the tone for what professionalism looks like. His legacy is clear.
Hart said as a journalist, Anderson was committed to fairness, straightforward reporting and relentless pursuit of the truth. “The WISN 12 family is devastated by his sudden passing. But his contributions as a voice for Milwaukee will be a lasting testament to his impact for years to come.
Starting with WISN in 1981, Anderson covered countless news events, including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina which ravaged his hometown of New Orleans.
Anderson also produced breakthrough news reports about issues involving racial inequality, economic development, local governance, political upheaval, and inner-city violence.
He interviewed four U.S. presidents and entertainment legends such as B.B. King and Oprah Winfrey.
Friend and former Channel 12 colleague Cary Edwards said Anderson was like a brother to him. “Just like he was a musician, the way he wrote was like music. It just flowed,” Edwards said. “Anyone that came in contact with Mike received something. Mike was a gift from God.”
Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas offered condolences upon hearing of Anderson’s passing. As a Milwaukee Police Officer who worked in the department’s communications bureau years ago, Lucas would often share information with Anderson and other reporters related to ongoing police investigations.
“Mike was one of the most honorable and intelligent people you could ever meet,” Lucas recalled in a statement. “From his easy smile to his warm delivery, Mike was the consummate professional and one of the finest newsmen ever to work in the Milwaukee market.
“He reported the news with such integrity that he earned the respect and trust of his peers, and with so much style that he became noted for reporting from the field donning a fedora. He will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him and invited him into their living rooms throughout the years.
Mayor Tom Barrett—in a statement—called Anderson an “incredible person, a fabulous, fabulous reporter, a great singer/musician in his own right, also a real person.”
Barrett credited Anderson for having a great style and social intelligence, with the ability to read people. “(He) knew the community, loved the community. It’s very sad at this time in particular to hear the loss of another great leader in this city.”
Wisconsin Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes—in a tweet—considered Anderson a mentor. “(I) can’t even count the times he was on hand to give advice or just talk when I saw him at the YMCA. This is an incredibly tough loss.”
Friend and former WISN 12 News anchor Kathy Mykleby, who co-anchored with Anderson during the station’s noon broadcasts for several years, said Anderson found the humanity in everybody he came in contact with.
“And no one told a story like Mike. You’re lucky when you have someone like that guy in your life. You’re so lucky.”
Before joining WISN 12 News, Anderson worked as a news anchor and reporter at KIRO-TV in Seattle. He began his professional career as a radio journalist, crossing into television news while working in Birmingham, AL.
He attended Louisiana State University and the Career Academy School of Broadcast Journalism. Anderson was also a member of the Wisconsin Black Media Association. He retired from WISN in 2017.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Funeral services have yet to be announced as of this writing.
Source for this article: WISN.com
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