Ronald Houston, WROC’s First Black Reporter, Recognized for His Contributions
Written by Site Hub on February 28, 2025
Ronald Houston, WROC-TV’s first Black reporter, is finally receiving recognition for his role in Rochester’s media history. Houston worked at WROC from 1968 to 1975, serving as a disc jockey, newscaster, announcer, and television reporter. Despite his significant contributions, his name was largely absent from historical accounts of Rochester’s Black broadcasters.
His daughter, Carla Davis, reached out to set the record straight, prompting WROC to acknowledge his legacy. Houston, now 89 years old, reminisced about interviewing Jesse Owens and Bill Cosby and working alongside Howard Coles, Rochester’s first Black radio broadcaster.
Though he was abruptly let go after the station changed ownership, Houston holds no resentment and considers his time at WROC the highlight of his career. This Black History Month, WROC formally recognized him, ensuring his name is spoken as a trailblazer in Rochester journalism.
Source: Rochester First
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