Legendary Houston Anchor Dies

David Ward, Anchor Emeritus for ABC O&O KTRK (Houston), has died.

Ward served as a prominent Houston news anchor for over 50 years. He was born in Dallas in 1939 and raised in Huntsville. Ward began his broadcasting career in radio, working for KGKB Radio in Tyler while in college, and later for WACO Radio, where he became Program Director.

In 1962, Ward moved to Houston, spending four years at KNUZ Radio as a News Reporter and News Director. He joined KTRK in 1966, initially working as the station's sole on-the-street news reporter and photographer.

Ward moved into the anchor role in early 1967 for KTRK's weekday 7 a.m. newscast. Later that year, he hosted the program "Dialing for Dollars," which subsequently became "Good Morning Houston." By January 1968, Ward became the anchor for the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcasts.

Ward's tenure at the station was historic. In June 2016, he was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for breaking the record as the world's longest-running local TV news anchor at the same station, in the same market.

Ward concluded his anchoring role on the KTRK Eyewitness News in May 2017. Following his departure, he hosted the series "Ward Ward's Houston," which highlighted iconic locations, individuals, and events in the city.