*Renee Ferguson, a pioneering investigative journalist, has died at the age of 75.
Known for her powerful storytelling and commitment to justice, Ferguson made history as the first Black woman to work as an investigative reporter in Chicago television. “She was a champion of good journalism and a powerful force who not only told stories, but really got into this business to make a difference, to change lives, to help people, “said NBC5’s Regina Waldroup, per the Chicago Sun-Times.
Born on August 22, 1949, in Oklahoma, Ferguson earned a journalism degree from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1971. She broke barriers in 1977 as the first African American woman to serve as an investigative reporter in Chicago television at CBS2, later joining CBS News in Atlanta in 1983. Returning to Chicago in 1987, she became a cornerstone of NBC5’s investigative team until her retirement in 2008.
Her career was decorated with honors, including seven Chicago Emmys, a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard, and an Alfred I. duPont–Columbia Award. She was also a member of the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.
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Ferguson was widely praised for her investigative instincts and her ability to connect with people. “She had a real gift to help people open up and was an amazing storyteller, and a great writer,” said longtime friend and NBC5 colleague Marion Brooks.
“She knew how to craft a story to really pull out the heartfelt moments and would make people care,” Brooks added.
One of her most impactful stories helped lead to the exoneration of Tyrone Hood, wrongfully imprisoned for a 1993 murder. Her final NBC5 report focused on his case, and Hood’s sentence was commuted in 2015 after Ferguson contacted then-Governor Pat Quinn on his last day in office.
“She made countless lives better through her brilliant investigative journalism — as well as her mentorship of young people looking to make a difference,” wrote Pete Buttigieg on X. “I’m so sad to learn of her passing, but also know that her impact and example will live on across Chicagoland and far beyond.”
Ferguson passed away on May 6 in hospice care. She is survived by her son, Jason Smikle. Her husband, Ken Smikle, died in 2018.
