Meet Black History Maker Tuscaloosa Veteran Journalist Phillip Coleman

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2024 Black History Makers of Alabama.

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Yellowhammer State is filled with great African American leaders from the past, present, and future. We thank our West Alabama community partners, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter, for their continued support.

Black History Maker of Alabama - Phillip Coleman

Philip Coleman boasts an illustrious career spanning almost three decades in broadcast journalism. His journey commenced in 1978 when he assumed the roles of a radio news Anchor, Reporter, and Public Affairs Talk Show Host in Tuscaloosa at WTBC AM/WUOA FM.

Transitioning to TV news in 1980, Philip served as a General Assignment Reporter for WAAY-TV Channel 31 in Huntsville. He further expanded his footprint in 1981 at KOB TV News Channel 4 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, taking on responsibilities as the Education Reporter and Anchor/Producer for the early morning weekday newscast. Returning to Alabama in 1983, he contributed as a General Assignment Reporter for WKRG TV Channel 5 in Mobile. By 1986, Philip returned to Tuscaloosa, playing roles at WCFT TV Channel 33 as the City/County Government-Reporter, Weekend Anchor/Producer, and Public Affairs Talk Show Host.

In 1998, a new chapter unfolded as Philip began anchoring for NewsChannel 49 in Tuscaloosa, later rebranded as WVUA-TV, Your Home Team.

Throughout his extensive career, Philip garnered recognition from the Associated Press of Alabama, earning accolades such as Best Reporter in 1988, Best Investigative Reporting in 2001, Best Series in 2002, and Best Documentary in 2003. His commitment to journalistic excellence led him to become a member of Kappa Tau Alpha, the National Honor Society in Journalism and Mass Communication. Philip also earned both his Bachelor's degree in 1978 and his Master's degree in 2000 from the University of Alabama.

"I would have to say my most significant contribution to Black History as a journalist was a series of investigative reports that led to the release of a Tuscaloosa man who had been sentenced to prison for life without the possibility of parole"

In 2021, Philip's excellence in journalism was further acknowledged as he received the S.C.L.C. George Curry Award for overall excellence in the field. Reflecting on his impactful contributions, Philip highlights a series of investigative reports that led to the release of a Tuscaloosa man sentenced to life without parole, earning him the AP Broadcasters Association Award for Best Investigative Reporting in 2001. Currently, Phillip is dealing with eye issues and had major eye surgery in 2018 which caused him to step away from WVUA 23.

Additionally, Philip's commitment to community welfare is evident in his reporting on unsafe well water in a small rural community in Tuscaloosa County. His efforts resulted in the community being connected to a source of clean and safe drinking water, showcasing the transformative power of investigative journalism. Philip Coleman stands as a testament to the enduring impact of a dedicated journalist on both individual lives and community well-being.

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