 |
| Stan Turner (1944-2025) |
Stan Turner, a beloved and respected figure in Minnesota journalism, passed away on Sunday, at the age of 81 after a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
His death marks the end of an era for Twin Cities media, where he spent over four decades delivering news with poise, integrity, and a deep passion for storytelling.
He graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1962 and went on to study journalism at the University of Minnesota. His early love for news-gathering shaped a career entirely rooted in the local media scene, making him a fixture in the lives of Minnesotans.
Turner's professional journey spanned both television and radio, with a significant 35-year tenure at Hubbard Broadcasting, the parent company of KSTP-TV (Channel 5). He served as a prominent news anchor and even as news director at the station, becoming one of the most recognized faces in local evening broadcasts during the 1970s, 1980s, and beyond.
Colleagues and viewers alike praised his calm demeanor and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting—qualities that earned him the title of one of the Twin Cities' most respected anchormen.
Beyond the anchor desk, Turner thrived in radio, hosting shows like the "All Request and Dedication Show" well into his later years. Even after stepping back from full-time roles, he remained active, broadcasting from spots like Heimie's Haberdashery in downtown St. Paul as recently as 2019.
Turner also extended his influence to education, serving on the advisory board for the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire's journalism department and as an adjunct professor of broadcast journalism at the University of St. Thomas.
Turner was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame at the Pavek Museum in 2009. Tributes from peers, including fellow inductee Nancy Nelson (widow of WCCO's legendary Bill Carlson), highlighted his gentlemanly nature and excellence, even as a "competitor" in the cutthroat world of local news.