Warner Saunders, beloved NBC 5 anchor, well-known Chicago journalist and former teacher, has died at age 83.
According to NBC5, Saunders collapsed Tuesday night in Chicago, his wife said. He was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The award-winning journalist spent four decades in Chicago television and 29 years at NBC 5 before retiring in May 2009.
Saunders was considered by his peers to be the most versatile performer in the history of Chicago television. He was the winner of 20 Emmys for news, sports, documentaries, children's programs, conversation talk shows and community town meetings.
During his final sign-off on NBC 5 in 2009, Saunders thanked viewers as he held back tears.
"I think the first and most important thing is to say to the viewers is I’m just in awe that you have allowed me to come into your home for all of these years," he said that night.
Saunders came to NBC 5 from WBBM-TV, where he was director of community affairs, host of the four-time Emmy award winning "Common Ground" talk show and host of the three-time Emmy Award winning children's show known to many kids as "The Good Gang Express."
In addition, Saunders received the Illinois Broadcasters Association Public Service Award, the prestigious Gabriel Award, The Ohio State Award, and the 1999 Hull House Jane Addams Award for his commitment and service to the Chicago community.
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