News Summary
Local News19 anchor J.R. Berry, a beloved figure in Columbia, SC, has announced his cancer diagnosis but reassured fans of its treatability. Berry plans to step away from his news duties for treatment while receiving overwhelming support from the community. This news comes as residents also mourn the loss of former WLTX sports director Bob Shields, showcasing a strong community bond during challenging times.
Columbia Community Rallying Around Anchor J.R. Berry After Cancer Diagnosis
Columbia, SC, is showing its strong sense of community as local News19 anchor J.R. Berry has recently *shared some news that has touched the hearts* of many. The ever-popular anchor, who has graced the screens of local residents since 1991, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer that, luckily, is described as curable. In a heartfelt message on social media, Berry reassured his fans that this is a very *treatable condition* and expressed confidence in his dedicated medical team.
Preparing for Treatment
With treatment set to kick off next week, Berry has made the decision to step away from his anchor duties at News19 for several weeks. He anchors the well-known 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts, and his absence will surely be felt by viewers. Yet, despite the challenging road ahead, Berry remains optimistic and is ready to face this situation head-on with the support of his family, friends, and fans.
He has taken a moment to express gratitude for the abundant *positive thoughts and prayers* coming from the community. This outpouring of support showcases the profound connections Berry has built through his years in local broadcasting.
A Broadcasting Legacy
Berry is not just any local journalist; he is a *pillar of the community*. He has worn many hats throughout his career—serving initially as both an anchor and reporter before transitioning to the Morning and Noon Anchor role in 1998 and later to evening broadcasts in 2002. It’s hard not to recognize his dedication, as throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards, including several Emmys and the highly coveted Edward R. Murrow award.
His talent in *investigative reporting* and documentary work has also garnered accolades from the Associated Press, further showcasing his *exceptional skills* in journalism. The pinnacle of his achievements came in 2022 when he received the Masters Award from the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, reflecting a lifetime of dedication to the craft of broadcasting.
Honoring A Legend
During his career, the three-time South Carolina Broadcasting Association’s Sportscaster of the Year was celebrated as one of the *Midlands’ premier sports authorities*. Sadly, Shields left behind his beloved family, including his wife and two children, and was 59 years old at the time of his passing.
Coming Together
As the Columbia community navigates the emotional waters of supporting J.R. Berry during his treatment while remembering Bob Shields, the ties that bind local residents together have never felt stronger. Encounters at the grocery store, on social media, or during community events have transformed into gestures of care and camaraderie. Neighbors are reaching out, sharing stories about both anchors who have left a lasting impact on their lives.
The *spirit of resilience* is shining brightly in Columbia as everyone comes together, knowing that through tough times, the support of a community can truly make a world of difference.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLTX News19: J.R. Berry Announces Cancer Diagnosis
- The State: J.R. Berry Cancer Diagnosis
- Legacy: Alvin Berry Obituary
- Manning Live: Heyward Poole Jr.
- Wikipedia: Cancer Treatment
- Google Search: J.R. Berry Cancer Diagnosis
- Google Scholar: Investigative Reporting Techniques
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer
- Google News: Bob Shields
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
