Courtis Fuller: Cincinnati’s Favorite TV Personality

Courtis Fuller, a Hall of Fame broadcast journalist, stands as a beacon of journalistic excellence and community service, with a career spanning nearly 44 years. For the past 35 years, he has been the trusted news anchor for the Cincinnati NBC affiliate WLWT-TV, earning him numerous accolades and recognitions.

In 2023, Fuller was honored with induction into the inaugural class of the WLWT Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the field. His achievements extend beyond the newsroom, as a multi-Emmy award winner and a prestigious 2021 inductee into the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle.

Throughout his illustrious career, Fuller has received countless awards, including recognition from the Central Florida Association of Black Journalists and Broadcasters Hall of Fame. His excellence in journalism and unwavering commitment to the community has earned him acclaim from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, the Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists, the Associated Press, United Press International, the Orlando Press Club, and the Cleveland Press Club.

Cincinnati City Council acknowledged Fuller’s contributions in 2022 with a resolution honoring his broadcasting career. The Hamilton County Commission went a step further by dedicating a day in his honor in 2021. He has been the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, the Glorifying The Lion Award from The Urban League in 2022, and the Legend Award from the YMCA, showcasing his impact on both journalism and community service.

Known as one of Cincinnati’s Men of Honor, Fuller has consistently demonstrated leadership and commitment. He played a pivotal role in renaming an inner-city street in honor of high school honor student Derrick Turnbow, who tragically lost his life. Additionally, he spearheaded efforts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s historic entry into Major League Baseball and conceived the idea for an eight-day Cincinnati Jazz and Heritage Festival.

In 2001, Fuller temporarily stepped away from the anchor desk to enter the political arena, gaining international attention by winning the primary election in his bid to become Cincinnati’s first directly elected mayor in 75 years. Although he didn’t secure the mayoral seat, he returned to WLWT-TV in 2003 after hosting his own talk show on WCIN radio.

Beyond his media career, Fuller is a sought-after speaker and event host, contributing to various causes and organizations. He is also a Cancer survivor. 

His involvement spans from the MLK Jr. Coalition King Day to the Council of Christian Communions and the NAACP Freedom Fund. Currently, he serves as an advisory board member for the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, reflecting his commitment to education and the future of journalism.

In 2010, a scholarship was established in Fuller’s name to support young aspiring journalists in pursuing their dreams. His philosophy on journalism is encapsulated in his own words, “Journalism is a mirror that society holds up to itself.” 

He emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in media and echoes the advice of his mentor, Cincinnati broadcaster Ernest Waits Sr.

“Journalists must be change agents and truth seekers through their reporting and community connectedness because everyone has a story.”

As Fuller continues to let his light shine through impactful journalism and community service, he exemplifies the words from Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”