It’s with profound sadness that we announce Bill Anderson, our beloved General Manager of KRQE News 13, has passed away. Bill had an immense impact on TV broadcasting, the community, everyone he worked with, and his family. He was truly a one-of-a-kind boss, mentor, friend, father and husband.
In 1979, Bill Anderson took a marketing internship in Milwaukee at WITI-TV, launching an incredible career in broadcast television. He worked his way up from floor crew to news, to marketing and operations, giving him an appreciation for every job inside a television station.
“He knew all the departments. He knew intimately what makes a television station work,” said Dick Knipfing, former KRQE evening anchor.
His career would take him to a handful of stations across the nation. In 1999, he became the general manager of KRQE, a station that needed a lot of work. A distant third in ratings.
“I told my husband after seeing the newsroom. I got the sense you can’t fall off the floor. There wasn’t anything you couldn’t make better and it was like the ultimate challenge… and the really cool thing is that Bill believed it,” said Michelle Donaldson, former KRQE news director.
We’re going to win. We’re going to be number one in this market and I thought that was good and I certaintly believed him but I was wondering how that was going to happen
-Dick Knipfing, former KRQE Evening Anchor
Anderson took KRQE to the top. “We built a solid foundation. We put journalists in place people could trust. And little by little we won the trust of the community. That’s how you build something that lasts,” said Donaldson.
Eventually, Anderson expanded into four stations, adding Fox New Mexico, CW, and My50.
Bill was also a man rooted deep in faith and was committed to giving back. In 1993, Anderson won an Emmy for creating “Flood Aid,” a national telethon that raised more than $8 million for food victims in Iowa. Anderson said it provided a glimpse of the power of local TV to do good.
His commitment and love for his community continued at KRQE with his creation of KRQE Cares. The program has given more than 30,000 kids in need new shows. “I think that was his approach to life. Meeting people and asking what can I do for you,” said Charles Henson, former President of the Auto Dealers Association.
He was a he was an icon in our community. And he definitely can reflect on the legacy that he’s left because of him. Our community is a better place
-Rodney Prunty, United Way President and CEO
Anderson was a great friend and boss to many. “I’ve never worked for a general manager who was so hands-on in all the departments and knew all of the people and genuinely cared about all the people,” said Knipfing.
After God, it was always family first for Bill. He was married to his wife Debbie for more than 40 years, having a love many admired, raising three children, and five grandchildren.
