Longtime WFAA anchor dies

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Former WFAA anchor and reporter John Criswell has died.

Criswell, 83, worked at WFAA in Dallas–Ft. Worth, Texas, for 17 years from 1973 to 1990.

He then jumped to Fox’s KDFW in the same market, where he worked another seven years.

Criswell launched WFAA’s version of “Wednesday’s Child,” showcasing children in state care available for adoption. The segment still airs on the station today.

He also appeared on newscasts across the station’s schedule, including a longtime seat at the 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. broadcasts.

“I think he covered just about every newscast that we had at Channel 8 at that time — from morning to evening,” said longtime friend, co-worker and co-anchor Tracy Rowlett. “But he finally made his mark by being the first person to anchor the Wednesday’s Child segment. I think what he did to help children find homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and elsewhere is probably his legacy.”

Prior to coming to Texas, Criswell worked at WMAL in Washington, D.C.

After leaving TV news, Criswell served as CEO of a voice artist company.