Charles Porter Jr., whose obituary says he was the first Black news producer and reporter at abc13 KTRK Houston, has died at age 81.
"Charles was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met & he took me under wing at [KTRK] as an intern," 'Live at Five' anchor Melanie Lawson posted on X. "He truly set the gold standard for so many of us."
Lawson says Porter worked for Channel 13 from 1971 to 1978 where he produced programs such as "Sweet By and By," about local Black churches and "Barbara Jordan Goes to Washington." Lawson says he also hosted "The Show" which aired on weekends.
He would later become the 90.9 KTSU general manager.
In the early 1980s, Porter also joined Houston PBS station KUHT 8 where he hosted a show called "City Scene."
"He was the ultimate professional, I was young and he helped guide me in the right direction as I went onto my own career in media," his then KUHT 8 producer Joseph Williams told mikemcguff.com. "He made my job easier because he was so good at what he did."
Porter leaves behind two daughters and two sons, 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 11:30am on October 10, 2023 at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church (4900 Jackwood).
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry to hear this! Charles was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met & he took me under wing at @abc13houston as an intern. He truly set the gold standard for so many of us. My deepest condolences to his family. #RestInPower https://t.co/bxAVT6LVZ8
— Melanie Lawson (@MelanieLawson13) October 4, 2023
