In a Time When Watching the Evening News on Televion Was a Daily Ritual for Many People, Wendall Anschutz Was the Anchor of Ch
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Wendall Anschutz Television Anchor 1938-2010 by Mary Beveridge In an era when the evening news on television was a daily ritual for many people, almost half the viewers in Kansas City chose anchor Wendall Anschutz on KCTV-5. Wendall was born January 21, 1938, in Russell, Kansas, the son of Leal and Theresa Anschutz. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in speech and drama from the University of Kansas, Anschutz joined the Navy to pursue his dream of becoming an airline pilot. His attempt at flight training was not successful, and after completing his service, he returned to Kansas to complete a master's degree in communications. After graduation, Anschutz joined KCMO-TV (later KCTV) as a reporter in 1966. Even as a cub reporter, he demonstrated an exceptional talent for investigative journalism, covering news stories of all types. In 1973 he was promoted to anchor, first on the weekends and then, in 1977 as co-anchor of the nightly news with Jim Steer. On July 16, 1979, Anschutz appeared with a new co-anchor, a 23 year-old reporter named Anne Peterson who had only three months experience at the station. This unlikely partnership was to last for 22 years, a record which the station claimed was the longest in the United States. They averaged an incredible 40 percent of the local news audience until 1989. The affection and loyalty that Anschutz engendered in his audience was created partly by his unpretentious, almost folksy, manner on the air which belied his intense pursuit of a news story. Viewers also sensed his integrity and high regard for journalistic ethics. A colleague at KCTV referred to him as the “Walter Cronkite of Kansas City” because of the trust he inspired. He also achieved national recognition; Anschutz interviewed President Jimmy Carter on Air Force One in 1980 and in 1994 moderated a national town hall meeting with President Bill Clinton. Despite his status as a local celebrity, Anschutz was unpretentious, believing that dedication to news gathering was more important in attracting viewers than being a television star. Although he had opportunities to move to larger cities, he chose to stay in Kansas City and said he never regretted it. The stress of the job and the pressure to maintain ratings took its toll on Anschutz, however. After suffering a stroke in 1989, he slowed down a bit and began oil painting for relaxation. His bright, colorful paintings were shown in several local galleries. In June 2001, KCTV was sold to Meredith Corporation. Anschutz took a buyout and retired two years earlier than he had intended. He had worked for KCTV for almost 35 years, a rare tenure in a volatile industry. In retirement he found other ways to contribute to the community, involving himself in civic activities and working with stroke patients, as well as pursuing his hobbies of painting and woodwork. Anschutz died of throat cancer on January 7, 2010, at The University of Kansas Medical Center. He left his wife of 29 years, Nita, their two children, a grandchild and a host of friends and fans. Sources Barnhart, Aaron. “Wendall Anschutz, ‘The Walter Cronkite of Kansas City’ Dies.” The Kansas City Star, 9 January 2010, A1. Engle, Tim. “So Long, Wendall – As KCTV’s Veteran Anchorman Signs Off, - A Pictorial Salute.” The Kansas City Star, 24 June 2001, 8. Garron, Barry. “Anschutz Marks 25 Years at Station.” The Kansas City Star, 11 July 1991, E2. “Wendall Anschutz.” Bottom Line Communications. 2010. http://bottomlinecom.com/kcnews/wendallanschutzobituary.html © 2010 Photo: Courtesy KCTV-5 .