Cheryl Burton is an established figure in American broadcast journalism with a career spanning over three decades. As an anchor for WLS-TV, the ABC-owned network in Chicago, Illinois, she has become a familiar face for viewers, anchoring the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts. Burton’s journalistic work has not gone unnoticed, as her career is distinguished by multiple Emmy Awards, underscoring her contributions to the field.
Her tenure at WLS-TV, which began in 1992, has seen her become a respected presence in the newsroom and a guide for the community during major events. Beyond her primary roles, she also anchors the station’s digital newscast at 7 p.m., expanding her reach to digital platforms. The breadth and depth of her experience reflect her dedication to journalism and her commitment to delivering news with depth and clarity.
Beyond the anchor desk, Burton has experienced her share of public attention and occasional controversies involving colleagues. These incidents have highlighted the often high-pressure environments that news anchors operate within and the importance of maintaining professional relationships in the industry. However, Burton’s longevity and recognition in journalism remain a testament to her skill and resilience as a news anchor.
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Early Life and Education
Cheryl Burton’s roots and educational foundation were established in Chicago, Illinois. Her academic journey reflects a strong emphasis on science and the human mind, leading her from esteemed high school quarters to the university lecture halls of Illinois.
Family Background
Cheryl Burton was born on December 25, 1962, in Provident Hospital in Chicago. Both her parents played a pivotal role in foundational community services; her mother, Hattie, imparted knowledge as a Chicago Public School teacher, while her father, Neil Peter Burton, worked as an advocate consultant. Her upbringing in a household with such community-focused roles deeply influenced her formative years.
Academic Pursuits
After attending local schools in Chicago, Burton honed in on her academic interests at Lindblom Technical High School. Her focus then transitioned to the sciences at a tertiary level. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she pursued undergraduate studies, culminating in her earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology. Burton’s choice of majors reflects her enduring interest in the workings of the natural world and the complexities of human behavior, which later underpinned her professional journey.
Journalism Career
Cheryl Burton’s career in journalism is marked by a strong dedication to reporting and anchoring, particularly within the Chicago area where she has become a familiar face on ABC 7.
Rise to Prominence
Burton began her notable trajectory in the media industry with MBR: The Minority Business Report. Her move to WMBD-TV in Peoria, Illinois, in 1990 signaled her transition from national syndication to local news, which was followed by an anchor position at KWCH-DT in Wichita, Kansas. Burton’s capacity as a news anchor found its longstanding platform when she joined WLS-TV, an ABC-owned television station based in Chicago, in 1992.
Key Milestones
Throughout her tenure at ABC 7 Chicago, Cheryl Burton established herself not only as a respected news anchor but also took pivotal roles such as a Weekend Co-Anchor and a Sports Anchor, working with colleagues such as Jim Rose. Her tenure saw her at the helm of various timeslots, but most notably she anchored the station’s 10 P.M. Newscast. Additionally, her efforts include extensive community work, particularly with Chicago Public Schools, showing her engagement extends beyond the newsroom. Burton also contributed to WCIU-TV, reinforcing her prominence within the Chicago broadcasting landscape.
Awards and Recognition
Cheryl Burton has received multiple awards throughout her career in broadcasting, recognizing her exceptional work in the industry as well as her contributions to community service.
Industry Honors
Burton’s excellence in journalism has been acknowledged with several industry honors. Notably, she has been the recipient of the Emmy Award, which highlights her outstanding work in television broadcasting. Furthermore, her journalistic excellence has also been recognized with the Thurgood Marshall Award and the Vernon Jarrett Par Excellence Award.
Emmy Award: Demonstrates Burton’s high-quality work in television
Thurgood Marshall Award: Recognizes her excellence in journalism and her commitment to justice and equality
Community Service Awards
In her efforts beyond broadcasting, Burton has made a significant impact on the community, earning her multiple community service awards. She received the Kizzy Image and Achievement Award in 1998 and the Phenomenal Woman Award in 1997, both of which celebrate her influence and accomplishments as a black woman in her field.
1997 Phenomenal Woman Award: Acknowledges her outstanding role as an influential black woman
1998 Kizzy Image and Achievement Award: Honors black women who excel in their professions
Moreover, she has received recognition with awards that emphasize community involvement, such as the Russ Ewing Award. Each of these accolades underscores her commitment to serving the community through her journalistic work and community engagement.
Community Involvement
Cheryl Burton demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement, with a special focus on charity work and educational outreach. Her efforts positively impact various sectors including health organizations, youth groups, and underserved communities.
Charity Work
Burton has been actively involved with the Life With Lupus Guild, working to raise awareness and support individuals affected by the chronic autoimmune disease. Her participation in charity events and fundraisers has been a beacon of hope for those living with lupus. Additionally, she supports a range of non-profit groups striving for justice and serving the underprivileged.
Educational Outreach
As part of her dedication to empowering the youth, Cheryl Burton has a notable partnership with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. She advocates for the organization’s mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. By engaging in educational initiatives, she helps provide opportunities for girls in various neighborhoods to develop leadership skills and achieve their fullest potential.
Personal Life
Cheryl Burton’s personal life has been marked by a few significant details that have been made public. She was married to Jim Rose, a sports anchor for ABC 7 Chicago, from 1986 to 1995. Relationships aside, she also has notable interests and associates with prominent organizations that resonate with her values and life experiences.
Interests and Hobbies
Cheryl Burton has a history of involvement with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a significant part of her life that underlines her commitment to community service and her investment in social causes. Her participation in this organization suggests she values educational development, social welfare, and cultural enrichment, although specifics of her hobbies and interests beyond this are not well-documented publicly.
Media Presence
Cheryl Burton has established a prominent media presence, balancing her traditional role in television news with an interactive digital footprint.
Traditional Media
Burton’s career as a news anchor is rooted in traditional media, primarily television. She has been a mainstay on WLS-TV, an ABC-owned and operated television station in Chicago, since 1992. As an anchor on the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, she consistently engages viewers with the day’s events. Burton’s role extends beyond the anchor desk, having contributed to special interviews and segments that further her recognition in the realm of TV news.
Digital Footprint
Burton’s presence extends to digital platforms, where she enhances audience connection through streaming and social media presence. Her work is not just limited to the traditional newscasts but also features on digital newscasts. On Facebook, her verified page ‘Cheryl Burton ABC7’ boasts tens of thousands of followers, highlighting her reach on this platform alone. Additionally, she maintains activity on Twitter, where she shares updates, Eyewitness News segments, and interacts with viewers, exhibiting a responsive digital engagement strategy.
Influence and Impact
Cheryl Burton has made significant contributions to the field of journalism, particularly in her coverage of major events and through her interviews with influential figures.
Coverage of Events
Burton’s reporting from Chicago neighborhoods has been a key aspect of her career, bringing to light diverse local stories and their impact on the community. She reported extensively on the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, demonstrating her commitment to covering major national crises and their aftermath. Her coverage provided audiences with in-depth understanding of the event’s catastrophic effects.
Influential Interviews
Throughout her career, Burton has engaged in dialogue with a range of prominent individuals, including sports figures, celebrities, and world leaders. Her interviews have often highlighted significant societal and cultural issues. Notably, she has had on-air conversations with political figures such as Barack Obama during his time as a political candidate and as President. Burton’s discussions with influential personalities like Oprah and her dialogues with respected colleagues such as Ron Magers, Kathy Brock, and Alan Krashesky have further established her as a trusted voice in journalism.
Professional Associations
Cheryl Burton has built a significant presence in the media and journalism community through her involvement with various professional groups.
Memberships and Affiliations
Cheryl Burton is a dedicated member of several journalistic societies that underscore her commitment to the field of journalism. She is part of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), which advocates for the freedom of the press and encourages high standards in journalistic practices.
As a committed member of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists (CABJ), Burton demonstrates her active role in supporting diversity within the journalism community. Membership in associations like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) further highlights her engagement with professionals who strive to bring about a fair representation of minorities in the media.
In addition to her contributions to journalism through memberships, Burton is also known for her work with major broadcasting entities. She has been a significant figure at WLS-TV, an ABC-owned-and-operated television station located in Chicago. Her work as a news anchor at WLS-TV exemplifies her longstanding relationship with the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), contributing to the network’s regional and national reach.
Furthermore, at the local level, Burton’s professional journey includes her association with KWCH-DT, demonstrating the breadth of her experience within regional news outlets and her broader impact on journalism within the United States.
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