Dorothy Fuldheim, (1893 – 1989) was an American journalist and anchor, known for her extensive career at The Cleveland Press and WEWS-TV in Cleveland, Ohio. She made history as the first woman in the United States to anchor a television news broadcast and host her own television show, earning her the title "First Lady of Television News." Fuldheim's tenure at WEWS spanned 37 years, during which she became a significant figure in American journalism. Fuldheim was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Before her broadcasting career, she worked as an elementary school teacher. Her public speaking career began in 1918 when social activist Jane Addams recruited her to speak on social issues. Over the next 19 years, Fuldheim traveled widely, giving speeches on foreign policy and social causes, and quickly gained a reputation as a prominent and militant lecturer. In 1929, Fuldheim entered broadcasting with a weekly program on Cleveland's WTAM radio station, which later expanded to a daily show on the NBC Red Network. Her outspoken views on controversial issues earned her a reputation as a bold and militant speaker. She traveled internationally, conducting interviews with key figures such as Engelbert Dollfuss and Adolf Hitler, which influenced her approach to broadcasting as the first female news analyst in network radio. Fuldheim's broadcasting career continued to evolve in 1944 when she began airing daily news commentaries on WJW radio, advocating for social welfare programs and peacekeeping efforts. She also hosted a public affairs program aimed at high school students, working with the Cleveland Board of Education. In 1947, Fuldheim joined WEWS-TV, where she became a central figure in the station's news programming. By 1959, she had created her own newscast, "Highlights of the News," which featured news analysis, commentary, book reviews, and interviews with prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, and various U.S. presidents. Her show was innovative, blending sharp analysis with personal opinions and the public loved it! Fuldheim also co-hosted "The One O'Clock Club" on WEWS with Bill Gordon, a program that mixed entertainment, news, and interviews. Her fiery red hair and sometimes controversial opinions made her a recognizable and influential figure. She was known for supporting unpopular causes and challenging her guests, as demonstrated in her memorable interview with 1960s activist Jerry Rubin. In May 1970, Fuldheim caused controversy with her on-air comments about the Kent State shootings, criticizing the Ohio National Guard's actions. Despite calls for her resignation, she had the backing of station management and continued in her role. In 1980, Fuldheim was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. Fuldheim's career came to an end in 1984 after she suffered a stroke following an interview with President Ronald Reagan. She never returned to television and passed away in Cleveland in 1989 at the age of 96. In 2003, she was posthumously honored with an Ohio Historical Marker for her contributions to journalism, displayed in front of the WEWS studios. Dorothy Fuldheim's career inspires many women in journalism, and her significance in television news remains prominent.

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