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Atlanta TV Icon Wes Sarginson Dies at 82
12 Feb
Summary
- Wes Sarginson, a 40-year veteran anchor and reporter, passed away at 82.
- He interviewed Martin Luther King Jr. before the 1965 Selma march.
- Sarginson won eight Emmy Awards for his dedicated journalism.
Beloved Atlanta news anchor Wes Sarginson passed away on February 4 at the age of 82, following a courageous fight against esophageal cancer. Sarginson built a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years, serving as both a reporter and anchor at WSB-TV and 11Alive. His early career included a significant interview with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march, setting a precedent for his impactful journalism.
Throughout his career, Sarginson earned numerous accolades, including eight Emmy Awards, five United Press International awards, and seven Associated Press honors. He was particularly cherished for his "Wes Side Stories," human-interest segments that raised substantial funds for individuals in need, such as one instance that secured $76,000 for a child's organ transplant. His dedication to compelling storytelling and community service left a lasting legacy in Atlanta.
Sarginson's tenure at WSB-TV began in 1978, where he co-anchored Action News for six years. He later returned to Atlanta in 1997 to join 11Alive as a morning anchor, eventually moving to the evening desk. Even after retiring from anchoring in 2007, he continued to produce his beloved "Wes Side Story" segments until March 2008. He is survived by his wife, Ann, two children, and three grandchildren.
