CHICAGO (WLS) — Longtime WLS-TV personality Harry Porterfield passed away this morning after a brief illness, according to his family. He was 95 years old.
Porterfield, surrounded by his loved ones in Munster, passed away due to natural causes, as stated in the family’s announcement.
Chicago will hold a public memorial service for him, with further details and private funeral arrangements yet to be determined.
In mourning his loss, Porterfield is survived by his wife of 55 years, four children, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.
Born on August 29, 1928, in Saginaw, Michigan, Harry Porterfield Jr.’s journey in radio and television began in his hometown.
He reminisced, “I started as a stagehand in television, operating cameras and setting up the stage for Romper Room. Later, I moved on to anchoring the 10 o’clock news, which was the 11 o’clock news in Michigan at the time.”
Porterfield kickstarted his broadcast career in Chicago at WBBM in 1964, where he spent 21 years. In 1985, he joined WLS-TV, working there for 24 years before returning to WBBM in 2009. At age 87, he retired in 2015.
One of Porterfield’s remarkable journalistic achievements was his renowned segment “Someone You Should Know,” dedicated to sharing the unique stories of community members. This segment made a lasting impact on the Chicagoland area and beyond.
During his time at WBBM, he faced a scarcity of news for the Saturday weekend news broadcast. He recalled, “To save time on Saturdays, when we had minimal news coverage, we decided to create a segment called ‘Someone You Should Know.’ I initially thought it was a silly name.”
Porterfield’s departure from WBBM caused a stir, with many perceiving it as a forced exit. This event triggered a boycott against Channel 2, echoing nationwide.
Reflecting on the impact of the boycott, Porterfield humbly expressed, “I was overwhelmed by the attention, as I became the focus of the movement. The boycott lasted 10 months, and it prompted people to reevaluate the industry and recognize the deserving and talented individuals who could fill these roles.”
Apart from his accomplishments in broadcast journalism, Porterfield held a chemistry degree from Eastern Michigan University and a law degree from DePaul University.
Acknowledging his outstanding contribution to journalism, Porterfield received numerous awards, including eleven Emmys and the prestigious DuPont Columbia Journalism Award. He also received the first-ever Outstanding Journalist Award presented by the Chicago Association of Black Journalists.
To his family, Porterfield was a caring, warm, and dedicated individual. His wife of 55 years spoke about his passion for storytelling, stating, “Harry found great fulfillment in being a storyteller. ‘Someone You Should Know’ brought him immense joy, as he connected with people whose stories touched his heart.”
Even at home, news was an integral part of Porterfield’s life. His daughter shared, “Even during normal activities, he would speak in news jargon, and it was always entertaining and amusing.”
Continuing the legacy, Porterfield’s granddaughter, Amanda Porterfield, followed in his footsteps and became a respected news anchor in Milwaukee. Reflecting on her grandfather’s influence, she said, “I interned with him at WLS, and he inspired my career in television. Looking back, I realize that this was always my calling.”
Former colleagues described Porterfield as a consummate professional who inspired everyone in the newsroom to be better individuals. Reflecting on his pioneering role as one of the first African American anchors in a top three market, his impact and responsibility were evident.
Remembering Porterfield, his colleagues shared their experiences and admiration. They spoke of his kindness, professionalism, and ability to make others feel safe and valued.
Porterfield’s love for music was also well-known. He played the violin from the age of 8 and was a proud member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, performing in various music groups and symphony orchestras. His annual participation in the “Do It Yourself Messiah” further showcased his passion.
Reflecting on the significance of music in his life, Porterfield mentioned, “Music has always been a part of me. I recall one conductor who said that involvement in music is the most civilizing experience one can have. I agree; it brings therapy, civility, and a sense of completeness.”
