The Society of Professional Journalists Virginia Pro Chapter celebrated the career and legacy of Hampton Roads broadcast journalist Don Roberts at its 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony on Sept. 14, 2023 at Norfolk State University.
Roberts retired in 2022, holding the record for the longest tenured news anchor on a singular broadcast in Hampton Roads television history.
He was known at WAVY TV-10 as a role model and mentor for countless up-and-coming broadcasters.
Throughout his career, Roberts introduced viewers to children in foster care through his regular feature, “Wednesday’s Child.” Each child was awaiting adoption and in need of adult volunteer mentors, and Roberts faithfully ran the feature for decades.
On top of his journalistic duties, Roberts launched the Chess Nutz Knights Network in 2017. Volunteers and Roberts teach and play chess with children in area juvenile detention centers. He’s spent countless hours at Newport News Juvenile Services as well as the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office playing chess and mentoring incarcerated teens.
SPJVA would like to thank Kerri Furey, Roberts’ long-time co-anchor, for hosting a portion of the ceremony; WAVY TV 10, WNSB Hot 91, Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals,, S.B. Ballard Construction Company and W.M. Jordan Company for their contributions and support of this year’s event.
The chapter will share final fundraising and attendance numbers at its next meeting, scheduled for Oct. 18, 2023.
SPJVA is also currently taking nominations for the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. More information and the nomination process is here.
SPJVA Today 
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