Alumni Profile: Hosea Sanders says being a Reddie means always having a family

Hosea Sanders

Hosea Sanders (’78) is an Arkadelphia native and 21-time Emmy Award winner. Since joining ABC 7 Chicago in 1994, he has served as news anchor, entertainment reporter and program host. Hosea was appointed to Henderson’s Board of Visitors and continues to influence the next generation of Reddie broadcasters through campus visits.

What brought you to Henderson, and how did your time here shape who you are today?

Henderson has always been a part of my life. From an early age, it represented excellence. I remember in the third grade at Peake Elementary School having a poster I drew displayed on a sidewalk art show in front of Arkansas Hall. I thought I’d “made it!” I was famous.

When it came time to select a college, I was lucky enough to have multiple offers and opportunities to attend institutions all over the country. My heart kept bringing me back to Henderson. The School with a Heart resonated with me. Looking back, it’s the best decision I ever made. I cultivated wonderful relationships with fellow students and with the faculty and staff of HSU. I treasure those people and the growth experiences I got from being an active member of the Henderson family.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

I learned the foundations of journalism and oral communication at Henderson. I had the chance to co-edit The Oracle campus newspaper and helped create a news department at the radio station, KSWH-FM, from the ground up. At the same time, I worked at the local station, KVRC, and I wrote for the Arkadelphia newspapers. Those first-hand experiences prepared me for the real world and any opportunities which came my way.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time as a student at HSU — whether in the classroom, on campus, or in the community?

So many memories! I loved going on the road with radio instructor Dr. Ed Ryland to broadcast Reddie football games. I felt like a pro in those tiny booths throughout the NAIA region. We did good work. The Oracle was a very important part of my life at Henderson. I’m proud of our award-winning efforts covering the campus and the surrounding community. I was also honored to receive national recognition for collegiate journalism, an award presented in Chicago! It was my first plane ride!

I developed an appreciation for the spoken language and its complexity in the amazing HSU Speech Department, officially the Oral Communication Department. We competed in debate and forensics competitions all over the region. Thanks to outstanding support and training from Dr. Don Garnett and Dr. Jim Dockery, we were ready and brought home an amazing number of trophies!

One of my favorite professors, Dr. Martha Anderson, was instrumental in helping me identify accents and vocal nuances. She taught me what “General American” dialect was and helped me lose a “Southern drawl” I never even knew I had! Those lessons served me well as I navigated my way through the broadcasting industry.

Who were some of the most influential professors or mentors during your time at Henderson, and how did they impact your journey?

I mentioned Dr. Ed Ryland, who taught me all the radio basics from programming to performance. Dr. Claude Sumerlin was like a “city editor” in the journalism department. He stressed accuracy and professionalism both in his classes and as advisor to the newspaper and the Star yearbook. We learned how to dig for the facts and tell stories in a clear and concise manner by doing the work.

One of my most valuable experiences at Henderson came from my student work-study position in the public relations department under Ron Addington. Among other duties, we wrote official news releases about everything happening at Henderson. That way I had the opportunity to interact with all departments and to showcase their achievements. It included sports information and Reddie athletics. A real highlight for this avid sports fan and “retired” athlete! The experience was extremely educational and truly enjoyable. It also provided my introduction to commercial television and radio stations across the state as we promoted Henderson State University. It solidified what I wanted to do with my life!

What advice would you give today’s students?

I always tell students to be involved in the university community. Take part in activities in addition to your academic pursuits. There’s more to life than books. People make the difference in this world. Expand your horizons by investing in others. In my specific field, I’d advise students to immerse themselves in all things digital while concentrating on the fundamentals of writing and storytelling. The basics of communicating. It all starts with the written word. Also, reach out beyond the classroom for experiences in your chosen profession. Soak it all in!

What does it mean to you to be a Reddie?

Being a Reddie means always having a family. People who really care and who strive for greatness. Reddies celebrate each other and revel in the achievements of our “relatives.”

Henderson is home!

You’ve had an extraordinary career in journalism — anchoring, reporting, and hosting programs that reach millions. What has been your proudest accomplishment or achievement?

I’ve interviewed world-famous stars and well-known luminaries. And now I have my words on a marquee on Broadway! But I’m proudest of my ability to remain grateful and grounded. My mother used to say, “You meet the same people on the way up as you meet on the way down.” I’ve been blessed with many awards and great recognition for the hard work I’ve put in over the years. However, I’m especially proud to have been given the Silver Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for my contributions to the broadcasting industry in Chicago. It is often likened to a lifetime achievement award. I’m also so very humbled by the countless tokens of appreciation from community groups and organizations which I’ve been privileged to support.

What does winning 21 Emmy Awards mean to you?

The Emmy Awards are voted on by industry professionals in other cities. They are presented based purely upon the quality of your work. Period. It’s an honor to be celebrated by your peers. I never dreamed I’d receive even one Emmy. But I’ve been lucky enough to work with amazing teams of professionals who create first-class productions and managers who support our journalistic efforts.

You’ve covered entertainment, breaking news, and major cultural events. Is there a moment in your career that you consider a turning point or most meaningful?

Getting my first job in television changed my life. I’d had internships at radio and television stations, but the people at KARK-TV in Little Rock took a real chance on a green “hopeful with promise.” I learned so much in the news department at Channel Four Eyewitness News that I can’t begin to explain. It was my foundation and remains my touchstone for quality broadcasting to this day. It’s ironic that I now work for the number one station in Chicago, WLS-TV ABC 7, which is also Eyewitness News. I’ve been proud to call this station my home for more than 30 years now.

How do you stay grounded and motivated in an industry that’s fast paced and ever-changing?

My prayers and my people. No matter where I go and what I do, I remain a product of Arkadelphia and the people who shaped me and provided my values — my moral compass.

“Do unto others.”

With over 100 awards for community service, what inspires your dedication to giving back — and how does it tie back to your values? How have you chosen to give back to your Alma Mater?

It’s become a cliché, but “To whom much is given much is expected.” So many people helped me along the way, and I will never forget that. It’s why I volunteer to assist various grassroots organizations which are trying to uplift the community and the world. I love Henderson, and I was thrilled to be asked by Dr. Trey Berry to be a member of the Board of Visitors at the University. I’m honored to be given the opportunity to advise the chancellor and promote HSU on the global stage.

What does it mean to you to be a role model for young journalists — especially those from underrepresented backgrounds?

It always blows me away when a young reporter tells me they were inspired by me.

I’ve always just tried to do my best in my profession and in my life. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve learned from them. That’s one of the things I tell young people: “Be prepared for the tumbles. Be ready to bounce back.” How you “get back up” is most important. It brings me great joy to provide direction to aspiring journalists. I want them to avoid some of the pitfalls in the profession and rise to unimaginable heights!

The key to success: Work harder than anyone around you and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Your journey is unique and determined solely by your actions. My advice is simple: Don’t be like me. Be better.