To say that Lori Wilson is thrilled to be back home is an understatement. For the past 16 years, the Hoosier native has been reporting the news in other cities, but has recently accepted a position at WISH-TV (Channel 8).
Beginning June 24, you can see Wilson as anchor of the 24-Hour News 8 at 5 p.m.
“In TV you move around and I had been away from my family for so long. You never know when you’ll have this opportunity and now it’s real. So to be able to come back here and be close to my parents is priceless,” said Wilson. “I’m so fortunate.”
The staff at WISH are excited to have Wilson join the team as well.
“Lori has built a solid career filled with many examples of quality journalism both reporting out on the street and behind the anchor desk,” said Steve Bray, WISH-TV news director. “We’re thrilled to welcome her home to Central Indiana and our 24-Hour News 8 team.”
Wilson’s journalism career was built on her healthy curiosity, a love for writing and storytelling and a willingness to serve the community. As a child she was able to learn how to become comfortable and confident in front of a camera after appearing in various TV commercials.
She further honed her skills at the J.A.W.S. (Journalism and Writing Seminars) program provided by the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, which gives high school minority students hands-on experience in the field of journalism.
“It was being in those programs and feeling a true power when I watched news. Back then it was only three stations. I’d watch Dan Rather and think, ‘wow. He’s got so much power to inform people.’ I said ‘that’s what I want to do.’ I wanted to serve people through journalism,” said Wilson.
She was also part of the Center for Leadership Development and in an early version of Indiana Black Expo’s Youth Video Institute program. She recalls her first celebrity interview with Jamie Foxx.
“I’d love to find that footage,” laughed Wilson.
In high school, she also had the opportunity to shadow Tina Cosby, an award-winning anchor/reporter at WISH-TV.
“I recall that she was very sincere about going into the industry and enthusiastic. It’s been an absolute delight to know her over the years. I got to know her better when she moved away. I would see her and touch base with her at National Association of Black Journalist conventions,” said Cosby. “She’s an absolute professional, a delight and I’m looking forward to seeing her here at WISH-TV.”
In addition to Cosby, Wilson also looked to Stacia Matthews and Angela Cain as strong, positive examples of African-American female journalists in Indianapolis.
After graduating from North Central High School, Wilson attended Indiana University where she helped found the IU Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists; helped launch a newspaper there called The Griot; and was a part of a group of students who spearheaded a movement to get the university to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday.
Shortly after graduating from IU’s Ernie Pyle School of Journalism, Wilson was able to get a job at WCIA in Champaign, Ill.
“My first on-air live shot was at a balloon launch in Rantoul, Ill. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was like ‘yes! I did it,’” said Wilson. “What other career could you pursue where you could do a corn festival, go to Rome and London to interview the biggest celebrities in the world and then talk to a mother who’s just lost her child and teach the public a lesson from the unfortunate incident? The stories that move me are the ones that are going to make your life better. I like stories about real people. ”
She has also anchored at WGCL in Atlanta and KSLA in Shreveport, La. Most recently, she anchored at WCAU, NBC 10 Philadelphia. She was also a network fill-in for MSNBC.
As an amiable and accomplished journalist, Wilson is pleased to call WISH-TV her new home. She’s excited to be working professionally in Indianapolis, reporting Hoosiers’ stories, joining organizations that benefit kids and being among her friends and family.
“This is the station I watched as a kid. When it comes to good storytelling, you can’t really go anyplace else. CBS is where you need to tune your television. I’m really happy to be home and at WISH-TV,” said Wilson. “And I can finally say I’m a Colts fan out loud.”
Her family is also very excited.
“We as a family have missed her presence at many holiday gatherings and family gatherings. It’s a delight to now have her join us,” said Wilson’s father, Kenneth Wilson. “I want her to be happy. And if that means meeting her career goals, then that would meet all of my needs.”
Her mother is looking forward to their long walks and time spent chatting at Starbucks.
“Words cannot explain my joy in having her back and I don’t have to watch her on the Internet anymore. I can just turn on the TV,” said Karolyn Wilson. “She loves people and I know she’ll do great at her new position.”
A native of Columbus, Ind., Wilson is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the National Association of Black Journalists.
