Jack Jones (TV journalist)
John Wesley Claver Jones, was an American journalist who became the first African-American news anchor in the Philadelphia television market. He was also the first anchor to be born, raised, and educated in Philadelphia. Described by KYW-TV weatherman Tom Lamaine in 1991 as "a profile in courage and encouragement to those who" were "afflicted with cancer," Jack Jones was also praised by longtime Philadelphia mayor Frank Rizzo, who said, "I was absolutely amazed at his courage—at what he did and how he did it." Rizzo also said that Jones "asked tough questions, but he did it with class." According to veteran Philadelphia news anchor Larry Kane, Jones "loved to cover politics" and "was able to get a lot of stories that other people couldn't get."
Career
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1949, Jones joined WCAU-TV as a copy editor almost immediately after graduating with honors from the West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in 1967. He was mentored by veteran journalist John Facenda, and went on to attend, and graduate from, La Salle University. Promoted to the position of weekend booth announcer, he became a reporter in 1971. He eventually rose to the position of news anchor during the 11 p.m. time slot, but was replaced by Ralph Penza in 1976. He moved to KYW-TV and then moved on to WLS-TV in Chicago, but returned to KYW-TV in 1983.Jones covered the 1985 MOVE bombing from Osage Avenue, where he was noted for his coolness and clarity under pressure, often facing gunfire during live shots.