Renee Ferguson: Chicago Journalist Dies – NBC Chicago
Chicago mourns the loss of Renee Ferguson, a pioneering journalist and the first African American woman investigative reporter in Chicago television, who died at 75. Ferguson’s impactful career at NBC Chicago, beginning in 1987, was marked by fearless reporting that led to policy changes and exonerations. Her dedication to uncovering wrongdoing and giving voice to the unheard earned her numerous accolades, including a Nieman Fellowship. Ferguson’s work extended to coverage of significant news, like the O’Hare Airport strip-search scandal and the Tyrone hood case. Her commitment to accuracy as a Black woman in investigative journalism set a high standard. This reporting legacy continues to inspire, as Ferguson believed all journalism should be investigative. For more information, visit News Directory 3. discover what’s next for investigative journalism in Chicago.
Renee Ferguson, Pioneering Chicago Investigative Reporter, Dies at 75
Updated June 06, 2025
Renee Ferguson, a trailblazing journalist and the first African American woman to work as an investigative reporter in Chicago television, has died. She was 75. Ferguson’s family confirmed her death, which occurred Friday.
Ferguson, who spent years at WMAQ-TV (NBC Chicago), is remembered as a impactful journalist. She viewed her profession as both “a privilege” and “a great obligation.” She joined NBC Chicago in 1987.
Kevin Cross,president and general manager of NBCU Local Chicago,said Ferguson’s legacy continues to resonate within the station’s investigative journalism. Frank Whittaker, retired station manager and vice president of news for NBC Chicago, noted Ferguson’s dedication to giving voice to the unheard and fighting for justice.
Throughout her career, Ferguson earned numerous accolades, including a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard University and a duPont–Columbia Award from Columbia University. She also co-founded the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
Ferguson retired from NBC Chicago in December 2008 after a career of award-winning investigative reporting and impactful Chicago news coverage.
“Renee considered herself a voice for peopel who or else weren’t heard,” Whittaker said. “She would uncover wrongdoing and fight tirelessly to make it right. She was a true champion for people who had nowhere else to turn. And she got results.”
In a 2023 interview for NBC Chicago’s 75th anniversary, Ferguson reflected on her career, emphasizing her passion for investigative storytelling.She believed all journalism should be investigative,holding those in power accountable and ensuring accuracy and fairness.
Ferguson acknowledged the pressure she faced as a Black woman in investigative reporting,emphasizing the need for accuracy and the importance of facts driving the story.
“As a Black woman and the only Black woman doing investigative reporting and the first in the city, pretty much in the nation, it had to be right,” Ferguson said. “There could be no mistakes, there could be no errors. Everything had to be exactly right. And the facts had to drive us.”
Among her most memorable stories was her coverage of Black women being strip-searched at O’Hare Airport, which led to congressional hearings and revised search procedures. Ferguson’s investigative journalism also played a role in the exoneration of Tyrone Hood,who was wrongly convicted of murder.
Ferguson recalled her disappointment at not securing Hood’s release before her retirement,but Gov. Pat Quinn ultimately released Hood on his last day in office.
“When you see something that’s really wrong, when you see a wrong that has been done, you got to say something. You got to do something,” ferguson said.
What’s next
Ferguson’s legacy as a champion for truth and justice will continue to inspire future generations of journalists. Her commitment to investigative reporting and giving voice to the voiceless remains a powerful example for the industry.