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Paul Magers
Paul Magers
Paul Magers
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Paul Magers (born May 15, 1954) is an American former news anchor and reporter, most recently at KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, California.

Magers was born in Santa Maria, California, and spent the majority of his childhood in Ellensburg, Washington. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1977. In 1979, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The recipient of numerous industry awards, including several Emmys and a Golden Mike Award, Magers began his broadcasting career at KSTP-TV in Minneapolis-St. Paul, then moved in 1979 to KATU in Portland, where he began working as an on-air reporter. In 1981, he moved down the West Coast to KGTV-TV in San Diego, where he spent two years as a reporter and anchor before he returned to the Twin Cities and began his 20-year career with KARE-TV. Paul and 10:00 p.m. co-anchor Diana Pierce both joined the station in September 1983 and remained together on that newscast until September 2003. Magers moved to KCBS-TV in Los Angeles in 2004.

In addition to anchoring the evening newscasts, he hosted numerous specials and moderated political debates and participated in a wide variety of community events, including a 1997 telethon to raise money for flood relief in Minnesota.[1][2]

Magers announced his retirement from television broadcasting in March 2017, revealing his long struggle with alcoholism.[3][4]

References

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Paul Magers

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from Grokipedia
Paul Magers (born May 15, 1954) is a retired American television news anchor whose 38-year career included anchoring evening newscasts in major markets such as Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Los Angeles. Beginning as a technician and producer at KSTP-TV in St. Paul, Minnesota, Magers transitioned to on-air roles starting in 1979 at KATU-TV in Portland, Oregon, followed by stints in San Diego and a 20-year tenure at KARE 11 in Minneapolis from 1983 to 2003, where he anchored weeknight broadcasts at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. He joined KCBS-TV (CBS 2) in Los Angeles in 2004, serving as evening anchor for 13 years until his retirement in 2017, during which he earned multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Mike for journalistic excellence. Upon announcing his retirement, Magers publicly disclosed a long-term struggle with , which had prompted recent treatment and time off work, framing his decision as an opportunity to prioritize health and family while reflecting on a career marked by professional accolades amid personal challenges.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family Background

Paul Magers was born on May 15, 1954, in Santa Maria, California. He spent the majority of his childhood in Ellensburg, Washington, after his family relocated there from earlier stops including Toppenish, Washington. During high school in Ellensburg, Magers participated in track and basketball, reflecting an active youth amid a family that moved across western states. He is the younger brother of Ron Magers, a longtime television news anchor born in 1944, with whom he shares a broadcasting lineage; their family included additional siblings, as Ron was one of four brothers and had a sister, though specific details on parents or other relatives remain undocumented in public records. The family's relocations aligned with patterns common in mid-20th-century American households seeking opportunities in agriculture or related sectors prevalent in Washington state's Yakima Valley region.

Formal Education and Early Interests

Paul Magers graduated from Toppenish High School in Toppenish, Washington, in 1962, where he participated in track and basketball. Prior to graduation, he worked part-time for two years at local radio station KENE, indicating an early involvement in media. Following high school, Magers attended Central Washington University. Magers earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1977. He subsequently pursued legal studies, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree from Hamline University School of Law in 1979. During his time in law school, Magers began his broadcasting career at KSTP-TV in St. Paul, Minnesota, working as a technician, dispatcher, and producer, which suggests a pivot from legal training toward media while completing his studies. Magers' early interests centered on athletics and communications. His high school involvement in track and basketball reflected a focus on physical pursuits, while his pre-college radio work at KENE demonstrated an initial draw to broadcasting, predating his formal higher education and foreshadowing his professional trajectory in television news. This blend of interests aligned with entry-level media roles he took soon after, including his first television reporting position in Eugene, Oregon, in 1966.

Professional Career

Entry into Broadcasting

Paul Magers initiated his broadcasting career at KSTP-TV in St. Paul, Minnesota, serving in off-camera roles including technician, dispatcher, and producer while pursuing his education. In 1979, he advanced to on-air reporting at KATU-TV in Portland, Oregon, marking his entry into visible television journalism. At KATU, Magers reported on significant regional events, such as the May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, which drew national attention due to its destructive impact, killing 57 people and causing widespread ash fallout. By 1981, he had moved to KGTV-TV in San Diego, California, where he worked as both reporter and anchor, honing skills in delivering news under competitive market conditions.

Tenure at KARE 11 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul

Paul Magers joined KARE 11 (then known as WTCN-TV) in 1983 as the evening news anchor, serving in that role for 20 years until 2003. He anchored the weeknight newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m., often alongside co-anchor Diana Pierce. During his tenure, Magers was recognized for his professional demeanor, wit, and ability to foster team cohesion, including lighthearted off-air interactions like paper ball fights with colleagues. Under Magers' anchoring, KARE 11 experienced significant growth in viewership, rising from fourth place in the market to first in the 10 p.m. slot and achieving the highest-rated late-night newscast in the United States at its peak. Colleagues and industry observers credited his smart, well-read, trustworthy, and empathetic style with contributing to the station's elevated status and strong on-air chemistry. Magers later described this period as the most rewarding and enjoyable 20 years of his career. His work earned multiple industry awards, solidifying his reputation as an award-winning anchor in the Twin Cities market. Magers departed KARE 11 in 2003 to pursue opportunities in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic reliability and contributions to local broadcasting excellence.

Transition to KCBS-TV in Los Angeles

In August 2003, KCBS-TV announced the hiring of Paul Magers as a weekday evening news anchor, marking his return to the West Coast after two decades at KARE 11 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul. Magers, whose contract with KARE extended until December 2003, was recruited to bolster KCBS's ratings amid competitive pressures in the Los Angeles market, with station executives citing his proven track record in delivering high-viewership newscasts. Magers anchored his final broadcast at KARE on December 12, 2003, concluding a 20-year tenure that had elevated the station's local news dominance in the Twin Cities. He transitioned to KCBS in early 2004, debuting on January 5 as co-anchor of the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Laura Diaz, replacing Harold Greene in the late-evening slot. This move positioned Magers in one of the largest media markets, leveraging his prior California experience from stints at KGTV in San Diego (1981–1983) and KATU in Portland (1979–1981), though specific personal motivations beyond professional advancement were not publicly detailed at the time.

Key Anchoring Roles and Contributions

Paul Magers served as the primary evening news anchor at KARE 11 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul from 1983 to 2003, delivering weeknight newscasts at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. During this period, he co-anchored with Diana Pierce, contributing to the station's rise from fourth place to the top-rated 10 p.m. newscast in the market, which at its peak became the highest-rated late-night newscast in the United States. Magers hosted numerous specials, moderated political debates, and engaged in community initiatives, such as a 1997 telethon for Minnesota flood relief, enhancing KARE's local prominence and viewer trust through his professional, empathetic delivery and adept handling of breaking news events like the 1985 tornado coverage. In 2004, Magers transitioned to KCBS-TV in Los Angeles as a high-profile hire, anchoring the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Laura Diaz, with additional early evening responsibilities, as part of a multimillion-dollar effort to revitalize the station's lagging local news ratings. His authoritative presence, resonant voice, and ad-libbing skills—honed in Minneapolis—supported KCBS's emphasis on live reporting and political coverage, though the station remained third in key demographics during his 13-year tenure ending in 2017. Magers' role underscored a strategic pivot toward experienced Midwestern anchors to compete in the competitive Los Angeles market, where KCBS had historically trailed rivals like KNBC.

Personal Challenges and Retirement

Struggle with Alcoholism

Magers publicly disclosed his long-standing battle with alcoholism upon announcing his retirement from KCBS-TV on March 29, 2017, after 38 years in broadcasting. He revealed having undergone recent treatment for alcohol addiction, during which he had taken several weeks off from work. In the announcement segment with co-anchor Pat Harvey, Magers described himself as having reached a personal rock bottom in the months prior, admitting to periods of isolation and emotional distress where he pleaded for divine intervention to overcome his weakness and fear of seeking help. Characterizing his condition as that of a functional alcoholic whose habit had persisted longer than anticipated, Magers emphasized alcoholism as a disease rather than a moral failing, one that he had grown "tired" and "bored" with over time. In a WCCO Radio interview shortly after his retirement, he candidly referred to himself as "just a drunk with name recognition," underscoring the universality of the affliction beyond his public persona. The struggle had evidently intensified in the competitive Los Angeles media environment, contributing to his decision to step away from the profession entirely at age 63. Following treatment, Magers achieved sobriety and committed to daily attendance at 12-step program meetings, reporting that life felt "a hell of a lot better" in retirement. In an October 2017 return visit to KARE 11 in Minnesota, he reflected on mornings spent alone and crying at his kitchen counter, seeking relief from the addiction, and expressed hope to be remembered primarily as a decent family man rather than defined by his professional or personal challenges. He advocated for others facing similar issues to recognize the condition's persistence and pursue recovery without delay.

Retirement Announcement and Aftermath

On March 29, 2017, Paul Magers announced his retirement from (CBS2) in during an on-air interview with co-anchor , concluding a 38-year career in television news that included 13 years anchoring the station's evening broadcasts. In the announcement, Magers disclosed his recent participation in treatment for alcohol , describing it as a long-term personal struggle that influenced his decision to step away from the demanding role of nightly anchoring. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing recovery, stating that retiring while still capable of performing well allowed him to focus on sobriety and family time without risking professional decline. Magers used the platform to advocate for others facing similar issues, urging viewers contending with addiction to seek professional help rather than suffer in silence, a message he reiterated in subsequent media appearances. Station management praised his contributions and supported his transition, with KCBS general manager Joel Cheatwood describing Magers as a "special individual" whose departure marked the end of an era in local news. His final broadcast aired shortly thereafter, drawing tributes from colleagues and viewers who highlighted his professionalism amid personal challenges. In the aftermath, Magers maintained a low public profile centered on recovery, reporting sustained sobriety and relocation priorities in a October 2017 interview with former station KARE 11 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, where he reflected on life post-retirement in Los Angeles and the ongoing nature of his battle with alcoholism. He avoided full-time media commitments, instead making occasional guest contributions, such as a 2024 video message congratulating retiring KARE 11 sportscaster Randy Shaver and reminiscing about their shared professional history. No further professional engagements or relapses were publicly reported, aligning with his stated goals of family focus and health maintenance.

Legacy and Recognition

Awards and Industry Honors

Magers received multiple Emmy Awards for his anchoring and reporting work. At KARE 11 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul, he anchored the station's 10 p.m. newscast that earned the 2001 Upper Midwest Emmy Award for outstanding newscast. Following his 2004 move to KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, Magers co-anchored the CBS2 News at 11 p.m. newscast, which won the Los Angeles Area Emmy for best newscast (35 minutes or less) in both 2007 and 2008. In 2012, he personally received a Los Angeles Area Emmy for serious news story–single report for his coverage of the Rocketdyne contamination scandal, shared with producer Nicolette Medina. Magers earned another Los Angeles Area Emmy in 2015 for serious news story–single report on "A Voice Silenced: Linda Taylor," again with Medina. In addition to Emmys, Magers was honored with a Golden Mike Award from the Radio & Television News Association of Southern California for his broadcast journalism contributions.

Post-Retirement Reflections and Media Features

Following his retirement from KCBS-TV on March 29, 2017, Paul Magers engaged in select media interviews reflecting on his 38-year career and personal challenges with alcoholism. In an exclusive WCCO Radio discussion on March 30, 2017, he described his recent treatment for alcohol addiction as a pivotal step, candidly admitting, "I'm just a drunk with name recognition," while urging others facing similar issues to seek help without delay. Magers also conveyed a sense of exhaustion from the profession, recounting advice from a friend that "you do anything long enough, you just grow tired of it," signaling his readiness to step away from the demands of nightly anchoring. In a more extended October 26, 2017, interview with KARE 11's Randy Shaver—his former colleague—Magers elaborated on post-retirement life in Los Angeles, including adjustments to a less structured routine and continued efforts in sobriety. He reflected on the intensity of news anchoring as akin to being a "hired gun in the days of the Old West," highlighting the transient nature of the role that contributed to his career mobility between stations like KARE 11 and KCBS-TV. Magers emphasized personal growth through recovery, noting the relief of no longer concealing his struggles amid professional pressures. Magers has maintained a low public profile since, with occasional media cameos tied to industry milestones rather than personal retrospectives. On June 26, 2024, he appeared in a KARE 11 video message congratulating Shaver on his own retirement, sharing a lighthearted anecdote from their early collaboration at the station in the 1980s and expressing appreciation for shared professional bonds. These limited features underscore Magers' shift toward privacy, prioritizing recovery over sustained media engagement.

Impact on Local Television News

Paul Magers significantly influenced local television news through his anchoring roles at KARE 11 in Minneapolis–Saint Paul and KCBS-TV in Los Angeles, where his presence correlated with substantial ratings improvements for both stations. At KARE 11, from 1983 to 2003, Magers anchored weeknight newscasts and contributed to transforming the station from a perennial ratings underperformer into a market leader, achieving the number one position as early as 1987. This turnaround was part of a broader resurgence documented in local broadcasting histories, emphasizing Magers' role in establishing high viewership during evening slots. In Los Angeles, Magers joined KCBS-TV in early 2004 as evening anchor, helping to revitalize a station that had lagged in the competitive market. Under his tenure, the 11 p.m. newscast saw a 37% increase in adults 25-54 viewership and a 20% overall audience growth following team adjustments around 2010, culminating in a tie for first place in the February 2015 Nielsen sweep—the station's first such milestone in 20 years. His authoritative delivery, resonant voice, and adroitness in live breaking news and debates enhanced the professional tone of KCBS broadcasts, fostering viewer trust and contributing to narrowed gaps with rivals like KABC and KNBC. Magers' career demonstrated the enduring appeal of straightforward, experienced anchoring in local news, prioritizing substantive reporting over sensationalism and yielding measurable audience gains in two major markets. His work underscored how a single anchor's credibility and on-air chemistry could drive station dominance, influencing hiring strategies for veteran talent in an era of intensifying competition from cable and digital media.

References

  1. https://deadline.com/2017/03/paul-magers-retire-cbs-2-la-newsman-1202054930/
  2. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/paul-magers-wcco-exclusive-retirement/
  3. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/paul-magers-looks-kare-11-anniversary/89-dbc0347c-11a8-4333-8e85-58d4289e7203
  4. https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/cbs-entertainment/releases/?view=32163
  5. https://mail.pavekmuseum.org/magers.html
  6. https://www.nexttv.com/blog/kcbs-los-angeles-paul-magers-set-retire-164499
  7. https://www.startribune.com/former-kare-anchor-paul-magers-retires-after-treatment-for-alcoholism/417504003
  8. https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/former-twin-cities-anchor-paul-magers-retiring/
  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0535920/bio/
  10. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-mar-14-ca-anchor14-story.html
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0535920/
  12. https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/lower_valley/toppenish-high-school-grad-signs-off-after-50-years-in-broadcasting/article_f2e033f2-27bf-11e6-a074-c73c61f65432.html
  13. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/former-kare-11-anchor-paul-magers-announces-retirement/89-426586015
  14. https://pavekmuseum.org/hall-of-fame/paul-magers/
  15. https://www.facebook.com/KARE11/posts/paul-magers-spent-20-years-as-an-award-winning-anchor-with-kare-11-but-instead-o/10159672841720457/
  16. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-19-et-braxton19-story.html
  17. https://variety.com/2003/scene/markets-festivals/kcbs-casts-anchor-1117891075/
  18. https://www.brainerddispatch.com/sports/kare-11-anchor-magers-going-to-l-a
  19. https://www.facebook.com/TCMediaNow/videos/paul-magers-final-kare-newscast-december-12-2003/1173749882654419/
  20. https://www.kare11.com/article/news/paul-magers-opens-up-about-alcoholism-battle/89-486327573
  21. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-paul-magers-news-20170329-story.html
  22. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/paul-magers-announces-retirement-from-cbs2-los-angeles/
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUAgJyTDxG0
  24. https://midwestemmys.org/old/emmy-awards-archives/2001-emmy-awards-nominees-recipients/
  25. https://variety.com/2007/film/awards/emmys-honor-los-angeles-best-1117970880/
  26. https://variety.com/2008/film/awards/knbc-wins-8-l-a-area-emmys-1117991768/
  27. https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/awards-news/three-station-tie-top-honors-los-angeles-area-emmys
  28. https://deadline.com/2012/08/los-angeles-area-emmy-awards-winners-317484/
  29. https://www.emmys.org/video/67th-la-area-emmys-serious-news-story-single-report
  30. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv7dJFwZiEs
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBckVs5WJrQ
  32. https://www.nextavenue.org/broadcast-wars/
  33. https://www.pbs.org/video/broadcast-wars-ep-3-out-of-nowhere-zgtqwl/
  34. https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/ratings-cbs-2-delivers-milestone-news-victory-in-february-sweep-1201443466/
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