In Memory of Maynard

Remembering the life and legacy of eight-time Emmy award winning journalist, Maynard Eaton.

Newsmakers Live! Co-founder, moderator, political columnist, journalist, mentor, and friend. Eaton has chronicled the Black social, political, and economic experience here at Newsmakers Live for 15 seasons, interviewing world-renown icons and celebrities. With an extensive career expanding over five decades, Eaton’s influence in journalism will be felt for years to come. We are thankful to have worked with a legendary pioneer who paved the way for many young journalists.

We appreciate your thoughts, kind words, and condolences. However, any inquiries concerning Maynard Eaton’s memorial service can be directed to his wife, Robin Eaton, and the family at themaynardreport.com. 

 

Multi-award-winning journalist and media communications professional, Maynard Eaton, 
died late Tuesday evening in his sleep after a brief battle with lung cancer. With a 
career spanning over five decades, Eaton has left a rich legacy of impactful reporting 
and social change.

Eaton began his career in 1970 after graduating from Hampton Institute’s Mass Media Arts
Program as WVEC-TV’s first African American newsman. In 2022, Eaton came full circle with
his appointment as an Endowed Professor of Journalism at Hampton University.

During his occupation, Eaton has been recognized as a broadcast journalist, political 
columnist, media/ public relations consultant, freelance writer, and executive editor. 
Eaton’s most enduring legacy will be the plethora of journalists he has trained and 
mentored during tenures as a professor at both Clark-Atlanta and Hampton Universities.

“For decades, Maynard Eaton was synonymous with journalism in Atlanta—covering Atlanta City Hall and the Gold Dome. An eight-time Emmy Award winner, his persistence and dedication to informing his audiences earned him numerous awards, but also the trust and respect of the community. Maynard worked to ensure Black voices were heard, and that Black communities had the same access to information as others—and Atlanta is a better city because of those efforts. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

 

“As a leading figure in the media industry, Maynard Eaton was instrumental in shaping journalism and the communications field, particularly in Georgia politics. He worked to ensure that the experiences and perspectives of Black communities were heard and helped to guide and mentor young journalists. As we reflect on his legacy, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Atlanta City Council