Julius Hunter

Julius Hunter (born 1943) is a St. Louis newscaster who spent more than 30 years in broadcast and print news. From 1966 to 1974 he anchored the news on KSDK Channel 5, St. Louis' NBC affiliate. He is best known for having been the Senior Anchor at KMOV Channel 4, the CBS affiliate—a post he held for 26 years.

"There are numerous awards that I have received in my thirty-three years of service in news broadcasting", said Hunter. "I consider my best accomplishment is that I’ve interviewed five United States presidents while in office, and I toured the country with two popes". [http://www.alton.madison.k12.il.us/ahs%20pages/eportfolios/kampcover.html]

Hunter was born in St. Louis in an area known as Essence. He attended elementary and high school there, excelling in most of his subjects. When he was seven, his parents divorced and he grew up in a household with his mother and grandmother. "My grandmother was the greatest influence on my life", said Hunter. "I remember all the little sayings that she would tell me. One that always comes back to me is, 'Son, I don’t want you to be common.'" [http://www.alton.madison.k12.il.us/ahs%20pages/eportfolios/kampcover.html]

Music is another of Julius Hunter's vocations. He became organist and choirmaster of Holy Sacraments Lutheran Church at age 16. He has, on several occasions, conducted the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Bach Society Chorus and the Holiday Brass Ensemble. He also wrote the music and text of the Harris-Stowe State College anthem.

Hunter is the regular host and honorary chairperson of the "Do the Right Thing" program—a regular series of ceremonies recognizing the achievements of young people in the St. Louis area. Hunter is also the permanent host of the "Young Heroes in Music" program on KFUO/Classic 99 FM featuring young African American musicians who are potential classical music superstars.

Following his last news broadcast on November 27, 2002, he took a position as vice president for community relations at St. Louis University. Hunter is a member of the president's executive staff and represents the University to various civic, cultural and institutional boards, initiatives and community groups.

In 2006, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt tapped Hunter to be a member of the St. Louis Board of Police Commissioners. [http://www.gov.mo.gov/press/stlpolicebrd020906.htm]

He has two daughters, Jennifer and Julia, who are both Harvard University honors graduates.

External links

* [http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1982/72282e.htm Julius Hunter interviews Ronald Reagan, July 22, 1982.]
* [http://www.westendword.com/moxie/news/col-julius.shtml Julius Hunter on the Board of Police Commissioners]