Sarah-Ann Shaw was already well-known as a community leader before she was hired by WBZ-TV in October 1969. Her reputation for fighting against poverty and motivating young people helped to make her an effective reporter. Her specialty was covering minority issues, but she was also passionate about education and had expertise in doing human interest stories.

In addition to reporting the news, she anchored public affairs programs for WBZ. After a long and successful TV career, she returned to her work as an advocate, and has won a number of awards for her work with the poor and with residents of the inner city. Among the groups that have honored her are the National Association of Black Journalists, and the Boston chapter of the Radio-Television News Directors’ Association.

Even in retirement, she continues to inspire, just as she did while she was on Boston television.