Doris Biscoe

Doris Biscoe, a trailblazing newswoman who worked as a reporter and anchor for WXYZ-TV (Channel 7) for more than 25 years, died Friday, according to the station. Biscoe was 77.

"She was a true professional in every sense of the word, a dear friend to so many colleagues at the station," said Mike Murri, WXYZ-TV's general manager.

Biscoe "was one of the most visible Black broadcast journalists in Detroit, and throughout America," the station said on its website. Murri said he had known Biscoe since the '80s.

"I first met Doris as an intern in the newsroom and she couldn't have been more kind to me. I remember going out on my very first new story with her as an intern to observe and (she being) very giving, patient, professional, a special lady," he said. "Anybody that worked with her and knew her and her family would say the same thing."

Murri called Biscoe an incredible journalist who dominated news in Metro Detroit. She was strong, charming and hard working, he said.

A D.C. native, Biscoe jointed WXYZ as a night reporter in 1973 after working as a radio disc jockey in Maryland and hosting a Washington public affairs show. She stayed at WXYZ for more than 25 years.

Biscoe worked as a reporter before joining the evening newscast as an anchor with Rich Fisher. In 1995, she moved to mornings to anchor with Erik Smith.

"I'd always watched Channel 7. It had the human element I liked, a relaxed atmosphere in the news. I sat down and rewrote some copy, then did a five-minute video, and they hired me," Biscoe told the Detroit News for an story in October 1973.

Former WXYZ meteorologist Jerry Hodak praised Biscoe for who she was as a broadcaster. “She was very genuine on air, and what you saw was what she was — not putting on airs, not trying to be a personality," he said.

Biscoe went on to join the 6 o'clock anchor desk and later became a morning anchor, the station said. In 1994, Biscoe was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle, the station said.

In 1998, Biscoe left WXYZ-TV to start her own company, Doris Biscoe Communications, but continued to work for the station as an independent contractor.