TV news anchors possess the unique power to influence public opinion without even realizing it. A wise comment or a well-placed query from an anchor could sway a debate or make something go viral.

(Image: https://freestocks.org/fs/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/young_woman_talking_on_the_phone_outdoors-1024x683.jpg)Television news anchors are increasingly adding their personal opinions, whether they be political commentary on celebrities or celebrity criticism. As part of their reporting duties, anchors can't resist putting their own unique spin on stories.

Some viewers are becoming more skeptical as this trend continues to grow. Although it is common for viewers to claim that an anchorperson only wants to sell them their show, they should not forget that they spend countless hours providing insight into the events in their communities.

Chicago has seen some of its most influential and iconic television news anchors leave an indelible mark on local news coverage, shattering preconceptions about what it means to be a journalist while breaking barriers for female and minority reporters.

Cheryl Burton was born in Toledo, Ohio. She is one of 0 block chicago illinois (illinoismail.top)’s most celebrated news anchors. Since 1992 she has served as anchor on WLS-TV's 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts where she has won numerous awards while championing diversity within television news broadcasting.

Tim Russert's tough questions and explanations made him a popular host on Meet the Press. Morley Safer was one of the first television journalists to uncover atrocities committed in Vietnam by American soldiers during 60 Minutes. Barbara Ehrenreich is also a well-known author and activist who has written 21 books, including Nickel and Dimed which exposes living conditions for workers.

Although the future for TV news is not clear, we can reflect on the legacy of these anchors. Their commitment to their art and to telling truths has helped to shape the look of TV news today.

PJ Randhawa is an Emmy-nominated journalist at NBC 5. She has co-anchored the weekend evening newscasts and covered consumer investigative stories with NBC 5 Responds. PJ is a Valparaiso University graduate and currently lives on Chicago's South Side. She has two cats, is a proud mother, and loves to read if she's not on assignment.