Russell H. Ewing (1923–2019) was an American broadcast journalist known for investigative reporting and crisis negotiation in Chicago television news. He helped facilitate the surrender of over 115 fugitives, earning a reputation as a trusted intermediary between suspects and law enforcement.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Ewing was orphaned at seven and later adopted by a neighboring family. He attended Englewood High School before becoming a firefighter. In the 1960s, he transitioned to journalism, starting as a film courier for WMAQ-TV before appearing on-camera in 1967.
Ewing gained recognition for hard-hitting investigative reports, including exposés on Chicago’s animal shelter abuses and discriminatory lending practices. He won an Emmy Award (1974) for undercover reporting on Cook County Jail, posing as an inmate for two days. He earned eight more Emmys throughout his career.
Beyond journalism, Ewing was an accomplished pianist, forming the Russ Ewing Trio (1981,) and a licensed pilot, occasionally using his aircraft in negotiations and investigations.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Russell H. Ewing
A boss creates fear, a leader confidence. A boss fixes blame, a leader corrects mistakes. A boss knows all, a leader asks questions. A boss makes work drudgery, a leader makes it interesting. A boss is interested in himself or herself, a leader is interested in the group.
—Russell H. Ewing
Topics: Challenges, Leaders, Leadership
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