On February 5, 2025, pioneering broadcast journalist Karen Michele Scott passed away at the age of 75 in Baltimore, Maryland, following a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Over three decades, her work radically reshaped television news in New York City, and she served as a mentor to countless journalists.
Scott led the newsrooms at WPIX-TV (PIX11) as the news director and at WNBC as a senior producer, breaking gender boundaries in the process. Her innovative approach to news coverage led her to become one of the first women to lead major market newsrooms, earning her multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards, as well as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Described as a trailblazer in her field, Scott used her position, staff, and on-air talent to spotlight various social causes, charities, and human-interest stories in the world’s largest media market, according to her obituary.
Born in Saratoga Springs, New York, Scott attended Ohio State University before beginning her career in Detroit, Michigan. In the early 1980s, she relocated to New York City where her focus on community reporting and investigative journalism revolutionized local news coverage.
Chuck Scarborough, a veteran WNBC anchor, spoke highly of Scott’s work ethic and leadership, stating, “Nobody worked harder than she did in putting newscasts together — or with more skill. And she was great fun to work with.”
Scott’s leadership during critical news events, notably the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, demonstrated her exceptional skills as a news director. Former colleague Mary Murphy noted, “She gave many people the opportunity to shine. Her calm guidance during 9/11 helped us deliver accurate information when New Yorkers needed it most.”
Scott’s impact was not limited to daily news coverage. She was instrumental in developing investigative units in the local news landscape and creating programs centered on consumer advocacy. Under her watch, both WNBC and WPIX received numerous accolades for their coverage of significant events such as the 1996 TWA Flight 800 crash, various political elections, and widespread investigations into municipal corruption.
Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and U.N. correspondent Frank Ucciardo paid tribute to Karen Scott, reflecting on his time working with her at WNBC and WPIX, where she strongly advocated for his investigative reporting.
At the height of her career, Scott served on the Media Security Council. Her advocacy for enhanced emergency communication systems after the 9/11 attacks was instrumental in transforming how news organizations prepare for and report on significant crises.
Scott retired in 2009 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She was preceded in death by her partner, newsman Michael Callaghan, and her parents. She is survived by her brother, nephews, and great-nieces.
A memorial service is scheduled in Pikesville, Maryland, and the family has asked that donations in her memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
