Barbara Boyd (newscaster)

Barbara Boyd (born April 27, 1929) is an American broadcast journalist known for being the first African American woman to work as an on-air reporter and anchor in Indiana. She worked at WRTV (formerly WFBM) in Indianapolis from 1969 until her retirement in 1994.[1]

Early life and education

Boyd was born in Evanston, Illinois. She graduated from Evanston Township High School and later attended Roosevelt University and Columbia College in Chicago. Prior to her career in journalism, she worked in administrative roles, including serving as an office manager for the Indianapolis Operation Head Start Project.[1]

Career

In 1969, at the age of 40, Boyd joined WFBM-TV (now WRTV) in Indianapolis, becoming the first African American woman to report and anchor on television in Indiana.[1] Initially hired as a general assignment reporter, she soon became known for her work in consumer affairs reporting. Boyd's approach included conducting interviews with members of the public and covering everyday consumer concerns.

In 1973, Boyd reported on her own breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, including a mastectomy, from her hospital bed. This segment aimed to increase public awareness of breast cancer and was among the early televised instances of a journalist sharing a personal medical experience on air. The report earned her one of four Casper Awards from the Community Service Council.[2]

Boyd remained at WRTV until her retirement in 1994, serving in multiple roles over her 25-year tenure, including reporter, anchor, and consumer affairs specialist.

Public engagement and recognition

Outside her professional work, Boyd was involved with several civic and advocacy organizations, including the NAACP, the Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), for which she served as a volunteer fundraiser and co-host of local telethons.[1] In 2000, she was inducted into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and Indianapolis Hall of Fame. In 2011, she was named the first creative ambassador for a local aging initiative promoting senior engagement in the arts.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "On top of the world: Barbara Boyd turns 95!". WRTV. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Barbara Boyd". Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
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