Mel Showers, a beloved news anchor and the first Black man to lead an evening newscast in Alabama, passed away on October 22, 2024, at the age of 78. Known for his groundbreaking career and dedication to truthful reporting, Showers spent 50 years at WKRG-TV in Mobile, Alabama. His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists and viewers alike.
A Legendary Career in Journalism
Mel Showers became a household name along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. He was one of the first Black journalists to break into a major Southern newsroom, joining WKRG-TV in 1969. His career began as a booth announcer, but by 1974, he made his way to the television screen as a reporter. Showers covered critical events such as the racial injustices in Mobile’s police and fire departments, Hurricane Frederic, and the 1981 lynching of Michael Donald by the Ku Klux Klan.
His rise to prominence came in 1990 when he was named the evening news anchor. This made him the first Black man to hold such a position in Alabama, at a time when racial tensions were still high across the South.
“He broke many barriers and won over the hearts and minds of every household on the Gulf Coast,” said WKRG-TV General Manager Jesse Grear. Showers earned the respect and trust of his audience, and even the skeptics who initially questioned his presence on the air.
An Inspiration to Generations of Journalists
Showers’ influence reached far beyond the newsroom. He became a role model for many aspiring journalists, especially Black and brown children who didn’t see themselves reflected on television. State Representative Barbara Drummond, a former reporter, credited Showers with helping her see that “no matter where you grew up, you could reach higher heights.”
Showers once said that as a boy, he watched news icons like Walter Cronkite but never imagined he could be on the air himself because he “didn’t see any dark-skinned people doing that.” His journey from humble beginnings to the anchor desk demonstrated the power of perseverance and hard work.
For Showers, gaining public acceptance took time. “Those early years, when the hate mail would come in, I kept smiling,” he said during his 2015 induction into the Alabama Broadcasters Hall of Fame. His resilience paid off when hate mail turned into fan mail.
Integrity at the Core of His Reporting
Mel Showers was celebrated for his unbiased reporting. Colleagues and viewers alike appreciated how he delivered the news “right down the middle.” His approach to journalism was simple—stick to the facts. He believed that every story deserved to be told with fairness and integrity.
Former colleague Bob Grip highlighted Showers’ ability to earn the community’s trust: “He told every story right down the middle. As a result, he earned the respect of everyone in the community.” This respect stayed with him throughout his career, from his early days as a reporter to his role as anchor.
His honesty and dedication to the truth became his trademark. According to Drummond, people would often say, “Did you hear what Mel Showers said? That’s got to be true because Mel said it.”
A Lasting Legacy
Mel Showers’ career didn’t just break new ground in journalism. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him or watched him report. After 50 years on the air, he retired in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and inspiration.
His passing marks the end of an era for WKRG-TV and the community he served for so long. However, his influence continues, not only in Alabama but across the journalism industry as a whole. Showers’ legacy proves that with determination and integrity, it is possible to overcome challenges and pave the way for future generations.
