Jack Williams Announces Plans To Step Away From Full-Time News Anchoring At WBZ-TV
BOSTON (CBS) - WBZ-TV News anchor Jack Williams today announced his decision to reduce his workload after 39 years with the station in order to spend more time with his family and continue his involvement in the "Jack Williams' Endowment for Wednesday's Child," which Williams and his wife Marci created to help special needs children find permanent homes.
"After 39 wonderful years, I've decided to step away from the anchor desk, but I'm absolutely not leaving WBZ-TV News," said Williams. "Even though I won't be a nightly anchor, I am thrilled that I'll be able to continue my 'Wednesday's Child' reports, substitute anchor when need be, and still be a part of WBZ-TV's signature events and specials. It's great to have the opportunity to focus on 'Wednesday's Child' and continue to be a member of the WBZ family."
Watch Jack's Message To Viewers
Williams' new schedule is effective Monday, September 1.
"Jack Williams is a true legend of broadcasting. We are grateful for all he has done and everything he will continue to do as a member of the WBZ-TV family and the New England community," said Mark Lund, President and General Manager for CBS Boston's WBZ-TV and myTV38 (WSBK-TV). "I have great admiration for Jack and Marci's incredible generosity with their continuing commitment to 'Wednesday's Child' and we are thrilled that he will stay at 'BZ part-time to continue this signature series and also serve as a special correspondent and substitute anchor."
Williams launched his "Wednesday's Child" in 1981. Airing each Wednesday on WBZ-TV News at 6PM, "Wednesday's Child" features a special needs child who is in search of a permanent home. Over the years, the segment has helped more than 800 special needs children find loving homes. Williams is responsible for raising more than $10 million for special needs adoption. In April 2000, Williams created the "Jack Williams Endowment for Wednesday's Child," a 501(C) (3) charity to ensure continued financial support for special needs adoption. Each year Jack and Marci give $430,000 in grants to agencies and group homes helping special needs children find adoptive homes.
A television journalist since 1968, Williams has been an anchor at WBZ-TV News since 1975. Williams received a 2014 Columbia duPont Award and a 2013 Peabody Award as part of WBZ-TV's team coverage of the Boston Marathon Bombings. In 2012, he was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Williams was also inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and he was one of only five New England journalists to receive the prestigious 2012 Yankee Quill Award which is considered to be the highest individual honor awarded by fellow journalists in the region and is presented annually by the Academy of New England Journalists.
Boston's WBZ-TV and sister-station myTV38 (WSBK-TV) are part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Diane Stern Speaks With Jack About His Future
