CBS 3's Walt Hunter Reminisces On Time In The Business Ahead Of Retirement
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- CBS 3 reporter Walt Hunter is set to retire at the end of May. He has become a staple in the business and reported on some of the biggest stories in our area for decades.
Hunter has 44 years in the business, 36 of those here at CBS 3. "It's family. That's exactly what we are here, so that's going to be the hard part," Hunter said as he shot a Facebook Live video with anchor Ukee Washington, to preview a special piece he did on revolutionary training for police officers dealing with life threatening confrontations.
Hunter has become a tremendous resource for many of the young reporters that also call CBS 3 home. "We have a very wonderful group of reporters," Hunter said. "Tremendous energy and tremendous creativity and it's a joy to see them. It's kind of a nifty going away present."
Hunter joined CBS 3's news team in 1980 covering the police beat, and since that time, has earned a reputation for breaking many of the Philadelphia area's top stories. Hunter's live radio broadcast on the funeral for murdered Philadelphia Police Officer John Pawlowski received the top award in 2010 for "Outstanding Radio Story" from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, where for seven years, he co-hosted the popular weekly talk show, the "Crime Guys."
A Philadelphia native, Hunter worked his way through college spending summers as a deck hand on an oil barge at a Philadelphia refinery. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
"I'll still be out there and we'll have a little more time to golf," Hunter said as he spoke with Washington.