Charles Austin, 73, WBZ-TV reporter
Trailblazing WBZ-TV reporter Charles “Charlie” Austin died yesterday. He was 73.
Mr. Austin’s career with WBZTV spanned more than 30 years, according to CBS Boston, which announced his death. He died after a series of health complications.
Mr. Austin told stories with “heart,” wrote anchor David Wade. He worked and lived with a foundation of faith.
“Charlie was a legendary WBZ reporter who had an impact on everyone he met,” said WBZ General Manager Mark Lund. “Guided by his strong faith, he looked to help others by his profound storytelling. He was a testament to his profession as a true, trusted journalist. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Austin family.”
Mr. Austin was one of the first African-American news reporters on Boston television, along with Sarah Ann Shaw and Walt Sanders, according to WBZ.
“I think it was very, very important, for young people in particular, to see someone who looked like them on television,” Shaw told WBZ.
“Charlie was a trailblazer in this city,” said former WBZ-TV anchor Liz Walker, the first African-American weeknight news anchor in Boston. “Charlie paved the way for people like me. He was just an amazing journalist. He let his work speak for him and that was even more powerful to me.”
Walker also recalled that Mr. Austin had invited her to church, according to WBZ. “I was so moved by that,” she said. “I kind of found my faith through Charlie, and his wife, Linda,” Walker said.
Boston police offered condolences in a tweet, stating, “Charlie was a legendary reporter, trusted voice and a friend.”
Mr. Austin joined the station as a film processor after serving in the Army. He worked as an editor and sports anchor before becoming a general assignment reporter, according WBZ.
Longtime WBZ-TV photographer Nat Whittemore said Mr. Austin was one of the finest partners he ever had and was especially good at developing stories he could tell over the long term, according to WBZ.
“And that was how he made such great contacts with the state police and the Boston police investigators,” Whittemore told WBZ.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Austin is survived by three daughters, Amy, Lisa and Danielle, and several grandchildren, according to the announcement.
Services are still being planned. WBZ reported that initial funeral arrangements will include a service in South Dartmouth followed by burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Boston.