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Allison Payne
Allison Payne
Allison Payne
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Allison Payne (February 12, 1964 – September 1, 2021) was a nine-time Emmy Award winner, a 21-year anchorwoman with WGN-TV, a veteran international journalist, a popular public speaker, and an actively involved community builder.[1] She was a longtime anchor and reporter at CW affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. Payne served as co-anchor of the WGN Midday News from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.[2]

Key Information

Payne also launched Payne Productions, Incorporated, a television production company which served to help students interested in the broadcasting business. Payne remained active in broadcasting via freelance work until her death.

Background

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Payne was born in Richmond, Virginia, to Dana and Kathryn Payne. When she was five, her parents moved north to Detroit, Michigan, where Payne attended St. Rita's Catholic grade school. She was a graduate of Renaissance High School in Detroit and held a B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Detroit Mercy. Payne attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio for her master's degree in radio/TV/film. Payne was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.[3]

Career

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WGN anchor

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Payne began in television news as an intern at ABC affiliate WNWO (channel 24, now an NBC affiliate) in Toledo, Ohio, within months was promoted to main anchor of the station's late evening newscast. Payne later moved to NBC affiliate WNEM-TV (channel 5, now a CBS affiliate) in Saginaw, Michigan, as the co-anchor of the 6 and 11 p.m. newscast.[4]

She moved to Chicago in 1990 to anchor the station's primetime 9 p.m. newscast, which she anchored until 2009. From 1993 to 2008 in the evening and since 2009 at midday, Payne was paired alongside Steve Sanders at the anchor desk.[5]

Payne traveled to Kenya to trace Barack Obama's roots, and to the Middle East to cover the Reverend Jesse Jackson's peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.[6]

During her tenure with WGN, Payne has won numerous awards including nine Emmys [7] for reporting, including:

  • Outstanding Achievement within a Regularly Scheduled News Program – Specialty Report/Series — Politics/Government: Jackson & Jackson: Allison Payne, Reporter; Pam Grimes, Producer. WGN
  • Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence On Camera: Programming – Program — Host/Moderator/Contributor: Allison Payne – People to People. WGN
  • Outstanding Achievement within a Regularly Scheduled News Program – Specialty Report: — Religion: Blue Eyes, Black Soul: Allison Payne, Reporter; Pam Grimes, Michael D’Angelo, Producers. WGN
  • Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programs – Public Affairs/Current Affairs: People to People: Gloria Brown, Producer; Allison Payne, Steve Sanders, Hosts. WGN
  • Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence On Camera: News – Reporter: Allison Payne – Composite. WGN

On August 2, 2011, Payne and WGN-TV station management agreed to a buyout of Payne's current contract, ending her 21-year relationship with the station; she left WGN-TV in September 2011.[8]

Regarding her future after WGN, The Chicago Sun-Times reported: "I hope to continue working in broadcasting in some capacity and will consider other professional opportunities," Payne said. "I also fully intend to continue my work in the community here."[9] On her blog on August 4, 2011, Payne added: "Down the road, I plan to begin producing my own documentaries. I also plan to produce occasional reports which I will share with you on this website. I am not ruling out a return to the anchor desk, but for now I need new intellectual challenges. I’m open to applying my communication skills to the business world as well."[10]

Health issues and death

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In January and August 2008, Payne went on medical leave after suffering from a series of mini-strokes. In November 2008 WGN-TV announced that Payne would take an indefinite leave of absence because of ongoing health issues. Payne admitted in an interview with Chicago Tribune media columnist Phil Rosenthal that she sought treatment for depression during her absence months earlier.[11]

In January 2010, Payne publicly acknowledged that she was a recovering alcoholic, after having previously battled alcoholism for 20 years. “Substance abuse can become a problem," she said at the time. "I wanted to make sure that nothing in my life got out of hand.” [12]

In late December 2010, Payne took a leave of absence from WGN-TV to rest her vocal cords. Greg Caputo, news director at WGN-TV, told TimeOut Chicago columnist Robert Feder in an interview that “she was diagnosed a few months ago and tried to tough it out . . . (but) her doctor wants her to stay off the air till they can fix the problem.”[13]

Payne died on September 1, 2021, in Detroit at the age of 57.[14]

References

[edit]
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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Allison Payne

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Allison Payne (February 12, 1964 – September 1, 2021) was an American broadcast journalist who anchored primetime newscasts at in from 1990 to 2011, earning nine for her reporting and on-air work. She co-anchored the station's midday and evening programs, covering local and international stories, including a notable series tracing then-Senator Barack Obama's family roots in . Payne's career highlighted her as one of the few in prominent anchor roles at a major market station during that era, contributing to greater visibility for minority journalists in local television news. Payne retired from in 2011 following a series of mini-strokes and related health complications that affected her mobility and speech. She returned to her hometown of , where she continued some media and production work through her company, Payne Productions, while managing ongoing medical challenges. Her death at age 57 was attributed to complications from these health issues, though no specific cause was publicly detailed beyond long-term effects. Colleagues remembered her for her professionalism, articulate delivery, and trailblazing presence, which influenced aspiring reporters in Chicago's competitive media landscape.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Allison Payne was born on February 12, 1964, in , to Kathryn Griffin Payne, a , and Dana Edward Payne, an educator. Her family relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where she was raised. Kathryn Payne died when Allison was 11 years old, leaving her father to continue guiding her upbringing until his death in 2019. In recognition of her mother's profession and legacy, Payne established the Kathryn Payne Scholarship Fund in 1999 at the , providing support for African American students pursuing .

Education and Initial Interests

Payne attended Renaissance High School in , , a for gifted students. She subsequently earned a degree in communications and from the University of Detroit between 1982 and 1985. Payne then pursued graduate studies at , obtaining a in media and communications, with some accounts specifying a focus on radio, television, and film. Her choice of majors in communications and media reflected an early interest in and , fields she entered immediately after completing her by taking a reporter and anchor position at , an affiliate in . Payne's academic training emphasized practical skills in media production and public communication, aligning with her subsequent career trajectory in television news. During her university years, she also joined Sorority, Inc., an organization focused on public service and leadership among African American women, which may have complemented her professional aspirations in community-oriented reporting.

Professional Career

Entry into Journalism

Payne commenced her professional career following the completion of her in from . She initially joined , the ABC affiliate in , as an intern before advancing to a reporter role, marking her entry into broadcast news. In 1988, Payne transitioned to , the affiliate serving the Flint-Saginaw-Bay City market in , where she served as a news anchor, building experience in delivering prime-time newscasts and producing her own stories. This early tenure at smaller-market stations provided foundational on-air and reporting skills that propelled her toward larger opportunities in major media markets.

Tenure at WGN-TV

Allison Payne joined in February 1990 at age 25, initiating a 21-year tenure as a prominent news anchor and reporter at the Chicago station. Hired directly from her role in , she quickly rose to co-anchor the station's 9 p.m. newscast, a position she held for much of her career alongside . Her anchoring duties focused on delivering evening news coverage, emphasizing both local events and broader national stories. Payne's role extended beyond studio anchoring to field reporting, including international assignments that showcased her as a versatile . Notable among these was her reporting from , where she traced the ancestral roots of then-U.S. Senator , contributing to WGN-TV's in-depth political coverage. She handled a range of topics, from urban issues in to global affairs, establishing herself as one of the few in anchor positions at major-market stations during that era. In 2000, Payne secured a five-year extension with , affirming her central role in the station's primetime lineup and commitment to its news operations. Her tenure reflected steady professional engagement until health-related challenges emerged later, though her contributions during the core years bolstered 's reputation for comprehensive .

Notable Reporting and Anchoring Roles

Payne anchored WGN-TV's primetime newscasts, including co-anchoring the "News at Nine" program from 1993 to 2008, during which she handled lead anchor responsibilities for a broadcast visible nationwide. In 2000, she signed a five-year contract extension as co-anchor of the "News at Nine," solidifying her role in delivering evening news coverage alongside colleagues like . Transitioning later in her tenure, Payne co-anchored the WGN Midday News starting in , partnering with Steve Sanders to cover midday updates and features. Throughout her anchoring roles, she wrote, reported, and edited her own segments, contributing to the station's emphasis on substantive . In reporting, Payne undertook international assignments, including a trip to to trace the ancestral roots of then-presidential candidate , providing on-location analysis of his family heritage and cultural context. She crisscrossed the globe for other stories, earning recognition for field reporting on global events during her 21-year stint at the station. One of her final on-air contributions was a report marking the 10th anniversary of the , aired shortly before her departure from .

Achievements and Recognition

Emmy Awards and Professional Accolades

Allison Payne earned nine from the chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences over her 21-year tenure at , recognizing her contributions to including anchoring and reporting. These accolades highlighted her work on newscasts such as the WGN News at Nine and midday programs, where she co-anchored alongside colleagues like Steve Sanders. Specific awards included honors for outstanding reporting and on-air performance, though detailed breakdowns by year or category are not comprehensively documented in . Beyond the Emmys, Payne received recognition for professional excellence in television from industry peers, but no additional major awards such as Peter Lisagor or other regional honors are noted in her career summary. Her Emmy wins underscored her role as a prominent figure in media, contributing to her reputation as a mentor in the field.

Influence on Journalism and Diversity

Allison Payne served as a pioneering figure for in during an era of limited diversity in media, where she was one of only a few female anchors at over her 21-year tenure from 1990 to 2011. Her visibility as a lead anchor on prime-time newscasts helped elevate representation, with colleague Rick Pearson describing her as a "trailblazer at a very diversity-starved era in the media." Payne's presence challenged the predominantly white male dominance in local newsrooms, fostering greater awareness of community concerns through her reporting. Payne's influence extended through extensive mentoring of aspiring journalists, particularly and minorities, whom she guided with script reviews, career advice, and emphasis on skills like in interviews to uncover authentic stories. She inspired a generation of reporters, including figures like TV host , who credited Payne as an early role model, and expressed her own aspiration in a 2010 interview: "I hope my work has inspired at least one young girl." The Chicago chapter recognized her for motivating Black journalists to pursue excellence and break barriers. In 2012, Payne founded the Foundation for Excellence in Journalism to support students entering the field, providing resources and opportunities that advanced diversity by nurturing underrepresented talent in . Through these efforts, she contributed to a pipeline of diverse professionals, mentoring interns and funding initiatives that echoed her commitment to professional standards amid evolving media landscapes.

Health Challenges and Professional Setbacks

On-Air Incidents and Public Scrutiny

In August 2008, during a evening newscast on August 21, Payne exhibited slurred speech, glassy-eyed appearance, and unsteady movements, including swiveling in her chair while delivering a report from the in . Viewers flooded the station with calls expressing concern over her condition, prompting speculation about intoxication despite no direct evidence. The following day, Payne issued an on-air apology, attributing the episode to residual effects from transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes) that had sidelined her from to April 2008, exacerbated by prescription medications and ; she noted the slurring resurfaced under stress or and considered speech therapy. Public scrutiny intensified as similar behaviors recurred sporadically, fueling doubts about the stroke explanation alone, with media outlets documenting viewer unease and questions about her fitness for live . On , , during a WGN interview with former NHL player Theo Fleury—who shared his own recovery story—Payne disclosed that she had battled and to painkillers, admitting these substances contributed to her on-air lapses rather than solely medical events; she revealed sharing the same sponsor as Fleury and had been in recovery for months. This candid revelation reframed prior incidents for observers, confirming suspicions held by some amid the earlier narrative, though Payne emphasized ongoing treatment and station support without detailing relapses. The episodes drew broader media attention to the challenges of visible health struggles in high-stakes anchoring roles, with critics questioning WGN's handling of transparency versus , yet no formal investigations or disciplinary actions were reported. Payne's disclosures highlighted tensions between personal accountability and professional demands, as her admissions shifted public discourse from sympathy for illness to recognition of substance-related impairment.

Battle with Addiction and Medical Issues

In 2008, Payne experienced a series of transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), which resulted in partial of her right hand, depression, and prolonged absences from broadcasting duties at . These episodes, unrelated to her substance use at the time, required medical intervention and rehabilitation, contributing to ongoing physical and challenges that affected her speech and mobility. Payne publicly disclosed a 20-year struggle with alcohol addiction on January 21, 2010, during a WGN-TV interview with former NHL player Theo Fleury, revealing that they shared the same sponsor and emphasizing her recovery efforts. She framed the admission as an act of transparency to destigmatize addiction, stating there was "no shame" in acknowledging it, though she noted it had not been a factor in her earlier medical leave. By this point, Payne reported maintaining sobriety, but the combined toll of addiction recovery and neurological aftermath from the strokes exacerbated professional pressures. Subsequent medical complications included vocal cord damage, which Payne attributed to the cumulative impact of her health setbacks, further straining her on-air performance and leading to reduced roles before her 2011 departure from WGN. Despite these battles, she pursued personal for recovery and health awareness post-disclosure, though persistent effects lingered into her later years.

Departure from WGN

Allison Payne announced her departure from on August 4, 2011, after a 21-year tenure that began in 1990 as co-anchor of the 9 p.m. newscast. The station and Payne parted ways amicably in September 2011 via a , prompted by recurring health challenges that had disrupted her role, including a series of mini-strokes in 2008 leading to extended absences from January to April and November 2008 to January 2009, as well as subsequent depression and vocal cord damage diagnosed earlier in 2011. Payne had been demoted from the prime-time anchor position following these incidents and anchored the 5:30 p.m. newscast upon partial return in 2010, but never regained her prior slot. In a statement, Payne described the decision as necessary because "my health had become a burden to the station," while expressing gratitude for the supportive management and openness to future opportunities. She had publicly disclosed a 20-year battle with alcohol in a 2010 interview, though she maintained it was unrelated to her work absences. WGN News Director Greg Caputo praised Payne as a "central figure" in the station's history, highlighting her coverage of major events, and confirmed she would host a special on the 10th anniversary of the before exiting. Following her departure, Payne initially planned to remain in to pursue documentaries and business ventures using her communication expertise, without ruling out a return to anchoring. However, she ultimately relocated to her hometown of to focus on recovery and later established a there.

Later Life and Death

Post-WGN Activities

Following her departure from in September 2011, Payne founded Payne Productions, Inc., a production company based in the Greater Area. The venture enabled her to independently produce video content, including projects for corporate websites, emphasizing video's compelling nature for communication. Payne Productions also supported aspiring broadcasters by providing guidance and opportunities to students interested in the field. In December 2011, Payne served as for Mark Perryman Political Campaigns, leveraging her experience in a political communications . She expressed interest in academia, considering a position as a at a historically Black college or university to share her expertise with emerging reporters. Payne relocated to later in her career, maintaining a lower public profile amid ongoing health matters, with her post-WGN efforts centered on production, mentorship, and selective professional engagements rather than on-air broadcasting.

Circumstances of Death

Allison Payne died on September 1, 2021, at her home in , , at the age of 57. , her longtime employer, confirmed the date and location of her passing in a statement expressing grief over the loss of a key figure in the station's history, but did not disclose a specific cause. Major news outlets reported that the precise remained undisclosed by Payne's family or representatives, amid her documented history of health struggles including mini-strokes in 2008, subsequent depression, and long-term battles with that had prompted her 2011 exit from . One account from a WGN colleague suggested complications from , though this detail was not corroborated in official announcements or broader reporting. No evidence indicated foul play or unusual circumstances surrounding her death at home.

Legacy and Posthumous Reflections

Allison Payne's legacy endures as a trailblazer for in , having served as one of the few prominent African American female anchors in television during her 21-year tenure at from 1990 to 2011. Colleagues reflected on her role in shaping diverse newsrooms, with Payne herself noting in 1999 that she and her co-anchors were "helping to shape and mold that newscast and that message" to reflect broader representation. Her mentorship extended beyond the studio, as she provided career guidance, script reviews, and financial support to interns and emerging reporters, fostering a generation of journalists who credited her for opening professional doors. In 2012, Payne established the Foundation for Excellence in Journalism to offer resources and training to aspiring broadcasters, underscoring her commitment to elevating underrepresented voices in media. This initiative aligned with her earlier Kathryn Payne Scholarship Fund, launched in 1999 to aid African American students in , demonstrating a broader dedication to that influenced community perceptions of her public service. Payne expressed a personal aspiration to inspire at least one young girl to pursue her dreams through anchoring, a goal echoed in tributes from figures like , who cited Payne as a pivotal role model for Black girls envisioning themselves in . Following her death on September 1, 2021, reflections from peers emphasized her professional excellence and personal warmth, with hailing her as a "monumental contributor" to the station's history and Chicago's media landscape. described her as "young, vibrant, sharp" and a "kind human being," lamenting the tragedy of her unfulfilled potential, while producer Tyra Martin noted her pride in "excellence... hers, yours and anyone else’s." ABC7's called her "brilliant, brave, and beautiful," and former colleague Vicky Baftiri praised her fearless love and of "countless interns." Online commemorations, including a dedicated group, sustained discussions of her enduring influence on Black history awareness and journalistic standards.

References

  1. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/9/11/22668558/allison-payne-dies-obituary-wgn-chicago-tv-news-anchor
  2. https://robertfeder.dailyherald.com/2021/09/11/allison-payne-1964-2021/
  3. https://www.marchfh.com/m/obituaries/Allison-Payne-2/
  4. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2021/09/20/the-life-and-times-of-inspirational-and-pioneering-allison-payne-former-wgn-news-anchor/
  5. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/entertainment/2021/09/13/detroit-native-who-longtime-chicago-tv-anchor-dies-after-health-issues/8318875002/
  6. https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-payne-19733453
  7. https://www.facebook.com/DeanRichardsWGN/posts/im-so-sad-to-report-the-death-of-former-wgn-tv-anchor-allison-payne-in-her-homet/392478808902815/
  8. https://www.geni.com/people/Allison-Payne/6000000219410411840
  9. https://alchetron.com/Allison-Payne
  10. https://edbradley.wordpress.com/about/
  11. https://www.bet.com/article/2afjro/allison-payne-get-to-know-the-news-anchor-who-inspired-many
  12. https://www.tdogmedia.com/2021/09/former-wgn-tv-anchor-allison-payne-dies.html
  13. https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-tv-mourns-the-loss-of-former-anchor-allison-payne/
  14. https://news.yahoo.com/longtime-chicago-news-anchor-allison-131738667.html
  15. https://abc7chicago.com/post/wgn-tv-anchor-dies-allison-payne-former/11014231/
  16. https://www.facebook.com/groups/rememberingallisonpaynewgnforever/
  17. https://allisonpayne.wordpress.com/about/
  18. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/08/25/wgns-payne-apologizes-for-actions-during-night-newscast/
  19. https://www.tvweek.com/broadcast/2008/08/wgn-anchor-says-stroke-caused/
  20. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/veteran-chicago-anchor-reveals-battle-with-addiction/
  21. https://www.wbez.org/culture/2010/01/25/if-allison-payne-came-clean-whats-wgn-trying-to-hide
  22. https://www.wbez.org/news/2010/01/22/wgns-allison-payne-reveals-battle-with-addiction
  23. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/01/24/wgns-payne-shares-addiction-battle/
  24. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/allison-payne-wgn-anchor_n_433577
  25. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/01/22/wgn-tv-anchorwoman-admits-past-addiction-problem/
  26. https://www.adweek.com/tvspy/allison-payne-on-leaving-wgn-my-health-had-become-a-burden-to-the-station/
  27. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/08/04/allison-payne-leaving-wgn-ch-9/
  28. https://www.distractify.com/p/allison-payne-cause-of-death
  29. https://news.yahoo.com/life-times-inspirational-pioneering-allison-204700917.html
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