Muriel Clair

Trial Reporter

WGN-TV News

Muriel Clair is an award-winning journalist who is the principal trial reporter at WGN-TV.

She has developed a solid track record since joining the WGN news team in 1978 and the depth of coverage Muriel brings to the courtroom is carried to the general assignment beat where she covers a diverse set of stories and issues.

Before working in news, Muriel taught English in Detroit and Kansas City public schools. She then began working in broadcast at the NBC Kansas City affiliate, WDAF-TV in the early 1970's. While there, she won praise that earned her a spot at WMAQ-TV in Chicago where she covered the education beat from the vantage point of an ex-teacher and an experienced journalist.

Muriel has received numerous awards for her many years of excellence in journalism. In May 2007, she was inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle Awards, which honors individuals who have devoted 25 years or more to the television industry. In 2003, Muriel won the Broadcasters Award for African American TV and Filmmakers. In 2002, The Northwestern University School of Law's Center on Wrongful Convictions awarded Muriel for her 'Journalistic Integrity and Work to Improve the Criminal Justice System'. Muriel was also awarded Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Woman of the Year for "Outstanding Service" in the field of communications in the year 2000.

Muriel also serves on many boards. She has served as a board member of Marcy Newberry Association, a social service agency, and has actively worked with Child Serv, a community-based organization that helps children reclaim and control their own lives. She has served on the board of the Free Street Theater, and has been a mentor in the Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism program. Muriel is also a member of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists.

In addition to being recognized for Best Spot News reporting in 1999, Muriel had the distinction of being named as one of 'Today's Chicago Woman's, "100 Women Who Make A Difference." Muriel was chosen as the Chicago Park District's 1994 Chicagoan of the Year for promoting Chicago's youth through her "For Kid's Sake" series. In 1993, Muriel won the Associated Press First Place Award for her work on the series, "My Brother's Keeper."

The Chicago Archdiocese has honored Muriel twice with the Cardinal's Communicator Award. She was first honored in 1991 for her work on the series, "Families in Touch - Growing up Drug Free." Muriel received her second recognition from the Archdiocese in 1993 for her "For Kids' Sake" reports.

She received the Silver Dome Award from the Illinois Broadcasters' Association in 1991 for her ongoing series, "For Kids' Sake." Additionally, The Illinois Psychological Association awarded her its 1990 media award for her reports on mental health and for her commitment to children through her on-going series, "For Kids' Sake."