NABJ Celebrates Co-Founder Sam Ford’s 50 Years of Impact in Journalism

NABJ congratulates Co-Founder Sam Ford on 50 years of impact in journalism. Ford, who will celebrate his retirement in December, is the DC Bureau Chief for 7News and WJLA 24/7. He has been with the station for 36 years.

Ford has spent most of his career serving the people of Washington, D.C. He started his career in radio, working in Kansas and Minnesota. He went on to television at WCCO-TV in Minnesota and also served as a CBS News correspondent for a decade.

“I have had a good time,” Ford said when reflecting on his career during one of his last live reports from the March on Washington anniversary, which he has covered six times.

As a part of the station’s celebration of Ford, 7News Anchor Alison Starling said: “When it comes to true beat reporters, no one does it better than Sam Ford. He can not only find the most compelling stories because of his huge network of sources, but he also tells them in a way that makes you care and understand the topic.”

During his 40 years reporting in the nation’s capital, he has covered some of the area’s most critical stories – from the White House to government, life and crime in D.C.

His legacy of excellence in the industry has been exemplified by his coverage winning multiple awards including the Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional Emmys.

NABJ wishes Founder Ford all the best in his retirement and expresses gratitude for his contributions to our organization and the field of journalism overall.