Former Detroit TV Anchor Karen Hudson-Samuels Dies

Karen Hudson-Samuels

The MAB has learned that former WGPR-TV (Detroit) anchor, producer and news director Karen Hudson-Samuels has passed away.  The Detroit media icon was found dead at her home by her husband last Tuesday (2/9), just one day after taking the COVID-19 vaccine, but the official cause of her death is still unknown.

One of Samuels’ biggest accomplishments was her commitment to preserve the history of WGPR-TV, the country’s first black-owned and operated television station.  Samuels worked tirelessly to bring the William V. Banks broadcast museum to life. “When this museum got into the national registry she was very, very proud,” her husband, Cliff Samuels told WKBD-TV.

“And she was just a beautiful person. I mean it’s such a huge loss for this community,” said WWJ Reporter Vickie Thomas.

A private service for Samuels will be held Friday, February 19.  In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the WGPR-TV Historical Society.  Samuels was 68.