Dave Ward: A life of Houston journalism and lasting impact
Dave Ward, longtime face of ABC13, has passed away, closing a chapter in Houston news history. For more than five decades, he was the city’s trusted anchorman, opening each newscast with his recognizable greeting, “Good evening, friends.” To thousands of Eyewitness News viewers, his warmth embodied a deep pride in Houston, the hometown he cherished.
Born David Henry Ward in 1939 in Dallas, he grew up in Huntsville and launched his radio career while still in college, starting at KGKB Radio in Tyler. His rapid rise continued at WACO Radio, where he moved from staff announcer to Program Director within a year. In 1962, Dave moved to Houston to work with KNUZ Radio as a News Reporter and News Director for four years. He joined Channel 13 in 1966 as the station’s sole on-the-street news reporter and photographer, transitioning to anchor the weekday 7 a.m. newscast in early 1967. That same year, he became the first host of the popular Dialing for Dollars program, which later evolved into Good Morning Houston. By January 1968, he was anchoring Eyewitness News at 6 and 10 p.m.
ABC13 marked a milestone as it celebrated 50 years of Dave Ward’s service. In June 2016, Dave achieved a historic record when Guinness World Records recognized him as the longest-running local TV news anchor in the same station and market, a testament to his enduring presence. He signed off from Eyewitness News in May 2017, but he continued telling Houston’s stories through Dave Ward’s Houston, a series that highlighted iconic places, people, and moments shaping the Bayou City.
A career defined by fact-checking integrity and a down-to-earth tone, Dave Ward became one of the nation’s most respected local news anchors. He opened every broadcast with his signature line, “Good evening, friends,” a reflection of his candid approach and commitment to presenting every side of a story. This reputation helped him earn the trust of viewers across Houston.
Dave covered a wide spectrum of events—from fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes across Texas and the South to space exploration missions launched from Florida. He reported on national political conventions, interviewed presidents, and covered the space program from Mercury to the Space Shuttle era. His interview portfolio included conversations with five U.S. Presidents and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. He reported from multiple countries—Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, and Colombia—often tying his international reporting to Houston’s connections.
Beyond journalism, Dave Ward devoted himself to community service. He held leadership roles with Easter Seals, contributed to the Houston Business Council, supported the American Cancer Society, and participated in leukemia and crime prevention organizations. He was a Lifetime/Endowed Member at several local institutions and served on boards supporting public safety, education, and healthcare foundations. A pioneer in community crime prevention, Ward helped establish Crime Stoppers in Houston in 1981 and was the first on-air reporter for the organization, pioneering crime reenactments that inspired similar programs nationwide and worldwide.
Former colleagues often recalled the impact of working with Dave Ward—the inspiration of watching him as a young viewer, then partnering with him as a professional. His legacy includes numerous awards recognizing his service and impact: the 1973 City of Houston Public Service Award for aiding relief efforts after the Managua earthquake; the 2002 Leon Goldstein Award for Outstanding Service in Fighting Crime from Houston Crime Stoppers; a 2007 regional Emmy for interviews with Steve Tyrell; induction into the Silver Circle of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2011 for 25 years of contribution; honors from the Mexican American Bar Association of Texas in 2016; inclusion in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame; and later recognitions including the Gold Circle in 2024 for 50 years in broadcasting.
As the ABC13 team and Houston community reflect on Dave Ward’s legacy, they remember a journalist who embodied a simple but powerful creed: get the facts right, present all sides, and treat every viewer like a friend. His influence extended far beyond the newsroom, shaping how Houston tells its stories and how communities come together in moments of triumph and crisis.
What do you think defined Dave Ward’s impact most: his investigative rigor, his warm on-air presence, or his unwavering commitment to community service? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments.
