Atlanta Broadcasting Legend Wes Sarginson Dies at 82 After Cancer Battle
A cherished Atlanta news anchor who illuminated television screens for more than four decades has passed away at the age of 82. Wes Sarginson, who served as both an anchor and reporter at WSB-TV and 11Alive, died on February 4 following a courageous struggle with esophageal cancer.
A Stalwart of Broadcast Journalism
Sarginson was a distinguished figure in the industry, adeptly managing the demanding dual roles of reporter and television anchor. His typical workday involved anchoring the 6pm news, venturing out with a photographer to cover an additional story, and then hurrying back to the station for his 11pm broadcast.
"He was that industrial-strength breed of TV news anchor who could out-reporter reporters, outwrite writers and out-storytell storytellers," remarked Keith Whitney, a former reporter for 11Alive, in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "He was one of the last of his class. A master class. We won’t see news giants like him again."
A Storied Career Spanning Decades
Sarginson's illustrious career began as a junior reporter at WKAB-TV, where he interviewed Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. prior to the historic 1965 Selma to Montgomery march. He honed his craft across major markets including Cleveland, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Detroit before establishing his legacy at WSB-TV Atlanta in 1978.
The pioneering journalist spent six memorable years co-anchoring Action News alongside Monica Pearson. "He was one of the hardest working people I know," Pearson told the outlet. "He was a good ol’ boy but smart as a whip. He loved to write. And he was really a people person."
Innovative Storytelling and Lasting Impact
After departing the station in 1984, Sarginson returned to his roots in Washington DC before eventually moving to WFLA-TV in Tampa, Florida, in 1988. Over nine years, he carved out a unique niche by launching "Wes Side Stories," a series of short videos designed to spotlight individuals in need.
One particularly impactful segment from Wes Side Stories successfully raised $76,000 to fund a child's organ transplant, showcasing his profound ability to connect with audiences through human-interest narratives. He later returned to Atlanta, securing a morning anchor position at 11Alive in 1997.
A year later, he transitioned to the evening anchor desk with Brenda Wood while continuing his reporting duties. Throughout his tenure, he covered significant events such as the 1998 Hall County tornadoes, the Heritage High School shooting, and the 2006 Winter Olympics. However, it was his beloved Wes Side Stories that he held most dear.
Accolades and Legacy
Wes Sarginson's dedication to journalism was recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including eight Emmy Awards, five United Press International awards, and seven Associated Press honors. Following his retirement from anchoring in 2007, he remained with 11Alive under contract, producing his cherished Wes Side Story segments until March 2008.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann, his children, Todd and Jennifer, and three grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, compassion, and exceptional storytelling in the Atlanta broadcasting community.
