Inducted 2000
Ted Talbert
documentary film producer, WDIV-TV
His penetrating, well-crafted documentaries have made Ted Talbert one of the best documentary television producers in the country. For the past 30 years, Talbert’s artistic style and knowledge of history have helped viewers understand the social, economic and political experiences of Michigan’s African American community.
Talbert has written and produced nearly 20 films for most of the television stations in Detroit, but he has been with WDIV-TV, Channel 4, since 1989. His straightforward, accurate presentation of history has resulted in many awards, including four Emmys. He was honored with the Detroit Emmy Award for “Letterman of the Law,” a documentary about athletes who became lawyers. He has been honored with the Achievement of Merit Award from Ohio State University and the Meritorious Achievement Award from the Detroit chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The common thread in all of Talbert’s works concerns the struggles and successes of African Americans— heroes, champions and ordinary people.
Talbert’s passion to document the African American experience led to the Joe Louis Video Memorial at the Cobo Convention Center. The room features his award-winning documentary, “And Still the Champ,” a film showing Joe Louis as a winner inside and outside the ring. He is one of the founders of the Joe Louis Hall of Fame.
In addition to being a fine journalist and historian, Talbert shares his talent and experiences with younger journalists. He has lectured at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Wayne State University, Wayne County Community College, as well as other regional high schools.
The Detroit native is a collector of historical words, images and sounds—all of which have captured African American society. He uses these to teach people about history ignored by most media, and in doing so, he fights ignorance, racism and injustice.