In Memoriam
Trailblazing Journalist Renee Ferguson dies at 75
Renee Ferguson, a pioneering investigative journalist and longtime advocate for racial justice, has died at 75. As the first Black woman in investigative reporting at NBC Chicago, she exposed corruption, civil rights violations, and wrongful convictions, leaving behind a legacy of truth and accountability.
Renee Ferguson, a pioneering investigative journalist and the first Black woman to hold the role in Chicago television, has died at 75.
Her family confirmed her passing on June 6, 2025.
Ferguson spent more than two decades at NBC Chicago, uncovering corruption and advocating for marginalized communities. Her reporting led to policy reforms, including changes to airport security procedures and the exoneration of Tyrone Hood, who was wrongfully convicted of murder.
She was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and won the duPont–Columbia Award for investigative journalism. Ferguson also co-founded the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
“She was a relentless advocate for the truth,” said Kevin Cross, president of NBCU Local Chicago. “Her legacy will continue to shape investigative journalism”.
Renee Ferguson retired in 2008, leaving behind a legacy dedicated to social justice and storytelling.
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