Thursday, April 30, 2015

KYW's Washington makes PA Broadcaster's Hall of Fame

Chalk up another honor for a face and voice Philadelphians have known for more than a generation.

Veteran CBS 3 anchor Ukee Washington is set to be inducted into Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame this Sunday in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Washington’s longtime noon co-anchor and a 2014 Hall of Fame inductee Pat Ciarrocchi will present him with the award.

Washington (born Ulysses Samuel Washington III) joined the Channel 3 news team as a sports anchor in July of 1986.  Ten years later, he moved over to the news desk as early morning and noon anchor.
Since that time, Washington has been front and center anchoring some of the region’s most memorable stories including live coverage of Super Storm Sandy in 2012 and the Phillies World Series Celebration Parade in 2008.

In addition, the versatile anchor’s assignments have run the gamut from hosting a recent Mayoral election forum with the candidates in Philadelphia to going behind bars to interview a high school classmate on death row. Washington even guest co-hosted on daytime’s popular network talk show, CBS’s THE TALK, in 2013 and 2014.

“We are delighted to be honoring such a Philadelphia community favorite,” says PAB President Richard Wyckoff in a release issued concurrent with the honor.  “Not only is Ukee one of the most versatile broadcasters in the business, but the impact of his community service as well as his support for charitable organizations and the arts is commendable.”

“The CBS Philly family is proud to see Ukee recognized for his many contributions to our industry,” says Brien Kennedy, President and General Manager of CBS 3 and The CW Philly. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Eyewitness News this year, we are honored to have KYW-TV so well represented in the Pennsylvania Broadcasters Hall of Fame.”

Washington was raised in West Philadelphia and attended Dover High School in Delaware where he was a celebrated athlete.  As a youngster, his other love was music.  As a member of the Philadelphia Boys Choir’s “elite,” he traveled the world representing the city of Philadelphia.  He continues to bring that love of the arts to his coverage of the region.

Washington is a graduate of the University of Richmond.  Today, he makes his home in Wilmington, Delaware.

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