Allison Payne, a nine-time Emmy award-winning journalist, is the co-anchor of the WGN Midday News with Steve Sanders. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Allison grew up in Detroit, Michigan where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Detroit. After receiving her masters’ degree at Bowling Green State University, Allison began her broadcast career as reporter/anchor at WNWO-TV in Toledo, Ohio. Allison soon moved on to WNEM-TV in Saginaw, Michigan where she was principal anchor for two years.
In 1990, WGN named Allison co-anchor of its premier “9 O’clock News.” Allison served in that capacity for 19 years before being moved to WGN’s Midday News where she rejoined her former co-anchor, Steve Sanders.
Allison enjoys political reporting and profiling newsmakers. She has also traveled extensively internationally as a reporter. In 200?, Allison went to Kenya to trace the roots of then senator, Barack Obama. In 2006, she traveled to the Middle East with the Reverend Jesse Jackson as he attempted to negotiate peace between Israel and Lebanon. Allison shoots and produces her own international stories for WGN.
Allison has established the Kathryn Payne Scholarship in honor of her late mother. Allison is very close to her father whom she credits for much of her success as a journalist. A long time English teacher, her father emphasized the importance of good diction and helped her hone her speaking skills.
Allison loves travel and history. She shares a birthday with Abraham Lincoln and is a collector of Lincoln busts.
Allison Payne:
In 1998, when I moved from Chicago to Pascagoula, Mississippi and, later, to Cincinnati, Ohio; WGN kept me connected with home. In fact, for a considerable period, you were the face of home for me. I came back to Chicago in 2005. I too had mini-strokes, though at long last they are being controlled. I pray for you and know your strength will help overcome the obstacles in your way. Please know that millions of viewers are praying also for you. As an Alpha, I know you cannot keep a good Delta woman down for long. Have a great holiday season.
While listening to a lot of music I am now watching my favorite newscast on WGN, the Midday News with Steve Sanders and Tom Skilling as well. It’s Dec 20, it’s nearly 12:30, and happy holidays!!
Harith and KS –
Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your kind comments. Happy holidays to you!
Alison,sorry to hear that you’re ill,but praying that you will be well soon. Take care of yourself and May God be with you.
Dear Allison,
We are faithful watchers of Mid day new’s … And we have missed you … Where are you ?
thanks
Get well soon Allison, I miss you. I watch you on the midday news and really enjoy it, you keep me company. I especially enjoy the food segments. I can always tell if a dish is worth trying just by your expression.
I will keep you in my prayers and hope for a full and speedy recovery. God bless you
Thank you all for your kind comments! WGN is a connection to Chicago for so many people.
As if I haven’t had enough health issues recently, now I’m having trouble with my vocal chords.
As you all know, I can’t read the news without a voice. The doctor says only time will heal it.
I hope to be back with you all soon! And thank you so much for your prayers.
Love,
Allison
I watch the 12:00 news on WGN and have notseen you for quite a while. I was wondering “whats up”.
Allison,
It’s been a long time, but we first met in Flint. I was a member of the media there.
Contact me at my private email. I have some information for you.
All the best,
Dave
Hi Allison!
I don’t know if you remember me, but I wrote for the 9 p-m news on a part-time basis for about 4 months…from September of 2000 until January of 2001. It was a great deal of fun, especially working with you and being around everyone that took part in the program. I have some special memories of those days, and have been wondering what’s been happening with you. I’m so sorry that you’ve had so many concerns, and I hope this latest episode will be over soon, and that you’ll be back at full vocal strength and good health! I add my prayers to the many for you! Take good care!
Big hugs to you,
Mark
Hi Allison,
I now live in Atlanta, GA. i moved here from Chicago, IL in 1996. My heart is still in Chicago. I am one of the many people who were terminated from their jobs as a result of the econony (March 2009). I make it a point to watch the WGN news during the 12Noon – 1PM hour. I really enjoy your newscast. I missed seeing your beautiful face. May God bless you with complete healing.
Hi Allison,
I too have missed seeing you on the news. Sorry to hear about your vocal chords. Take care of yourself and all your faithful views look forward to when you are well enough to return. My prayers are with you.
Greetings Allison,
I’m so glad you created a website that allows your viewing friends to communicate with you. I adore watching you so much my queen! Please take of yourself, and if you ever need a caring gentleman to love you back to health, I’m the one!
Yours truly,
Rod
care…
Hi Allison,
I have been watching you on WGN over the years, even while living in Ecuador. I am extremely proud of you!! You deserve it ALL!! I recently relocated to Chicago. I was concerned when I didn’t see you on the Midday News. Thanks to Google, I found your site;-) I am sorry to hear about your current health issues. I will keep you in my prayers!! God Bless! Stacy
Hi Allison Payne my prayers go out to you, for a well complete recovery. i have watched you on wgn news from time to time. i now resides in oklahoma city, ok but still a fan of chicago. God is a Healer.
Allison, I was quite surprised to hear of your most recent medical condition. Surprised because I too was recently diagnosed with a Protein C and Protein S deficiency as well as a Factor 5 Leyden mutation. I only heard of such a thing because a developed a blood clot as well.Very scary to say the least! I would be so interested in comparing notes as far as trreatment options etc… if interesrted I will continue to keep you in my prayers and best of luck!
Take whatever time you need for your health. You are never going to be out of our thoughts.
Allison, so sorry to hear about the medical challenges that’s keeping you from doing what you do best! Even though I don’t watch you live, I DVR your episodes of both the noon newscast, and the People to People episodes as well. Stay in the fight! Stay in the hunt, and I know you’ll be back in your Anchor chair soon.
God Bless You!!
Hi Allison! I found your blog over here from studying abroad in London. I love getting to see what you’ve been up to. I still can’t thank you enough for letting me work with you this summer even though I was a Morning Show Intern. I think you’re fantastic and will always look up to you.
Margo
Greetings Allison:
I just saw you Sat., April 16, 2011 while attending the Women in Leadership Award gala. This gala was given by The Common Ground Foundation. I spoke to you after the event ending in the dining area. I had on a purple suit. I wanted to hug you. I am truly thankful to GOD that you are doing well.
GOD is good.
I am so proud of you and your accomplishments.
Remember “Fear came knocking, Faith answered and nothing was there.”
Be Forever Blessed.
A Sister continuing to pray for you.
Allison every day without you is like a day without sunshine. Miss you…..will continue to hold you in my prayers for permanent healing.
anyway ALLISON ME &MY HUSBAND TOM WE WATCH 9 AT NOON & WE MISS SEEING YOU WHAT HAPPEN?? WE STILL WATCH . BUT I HOPE YOU ARE NOT ILL. WE MISS YOU GOOD LUCK WITH LIFE.
JUST AND OLD COUPLE TOM &SHIRLEY
Good Day to you Allison.
Miss seeing you at noon. I hope your health has improved.
Hope to see you soon. Keep up the positive attitude.
Regards, Rick
Allison:
Hope you feel better I read Stella Foster’s column how are you feeling?I sent a message before on Facebook Twitter.com/amf2334
Hope you feel better I read Stella Foster’s column how are you feeling?I sent a message before on Facebook Twitter.com/amf2334
Hi Allison,
I missed seeing you on the noon news. I will keep you in my prayer.
I was just asking God ” I wonder how was my favorite anchor woman was doing and today I received an answer through Stella Foster column. God answers prayers and yours will definitely be answered. I wish you God’s blessing and healing in your life.
Allison, like many here, I have been a fan of yours from the beggining! Your God-blessed beauty, and your command of the airways made news watching an art! I pray that your health is much better, and hope your influence remains in Chicago! God speed on your next venture, and if you ever need a brother to sing you some Luther V, let me know!
Your biggest Indiana fan,
Warren Tipton
Allison,
I will miss you on WGN, however, I do understand your health come first. It was very commendable that you shared your story of your mom with the public. I think many individuals forget that television personalities experience the same things as everyday people. My heart goes out to you. Take care of yourself and stay beautiful!
I moved from Chicago in 1989, but always stayed connected via cable/satellite.
Camille in Texas
Hello Allison, It’s been an honor seeing you on TV all these years. I started my job in 1990 have been here 21 years. Lost my hearing 3 years ago. Thank the lord, they made a position for me so they wouldn’t have to let me go. I can’t use telephone so I email people who have an email address for me to answer back to. I wish you the best in your next endeavor. I’m 62 years old. Raised two young men. They are doing well. Have 9 grandkids. They are fine also. I hope you enjoy your next job. Stay healthy.
Love ya
Cynthia L. Harris
Hi Allison,
I have missed you so much on the noon news. It isn’t the same without you. The way you were with the pets that visited the studio showed how kind hearted you are. They all seemed to love you. I hope you get well soon. If you don’t come back to WGN as a broadcaster, maybe you can be the voice for abandoned pets. You are their angel. Of course I would love to see you back on air. You are beautiful.
Sandy T
Allison, Thanks for being a Wonderful Broadcast Journalist!
May God Bless & Take care of You!
Sisterly,
Patricia T. Cole
Alpha Kappa Alpha
Mercy Hospital OR
Allison – Thank you for your voice in the media. I want to wish you the best of health, good fortune and future endeavors. I will miss you smiling face on WGN and I pray for your full recovery.
May God bless and keep you always,
Bernita
Allison – I only wish you the best of everything. Your voice in the media was awesome. I pray that God will bless you with full recovery, blessed life and wonderful future endeavors.
May God bless and keep you always.
Bernita A. Glenn
Allison, I know that blood thinners are rat poison for the most part, and it is difficult to accept takking them. I encourage you to do your own research into NATTOKINASE which is an enzyme (all natural) that acts to thin the blood. My father has been on this for years after doing his own research. Good Luck.
To my beautiful soror,
I miss you.
Every time I turn to WGN, I hope to see you on the air.
You will be wonderful in your new adventures.
“For I know the plans, I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. …”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Sisterly love
Virgie M. Bullie
Allison,
I read about your decision to resign from WGN today. I remember so vividly you broadcast on the night of September 11, 2001 and how well you communicated the emotion of the moment as well as the facts of that tragic event. I considered it one of the most moving moments a news coverage I have ever witnessed. The depth of your heart and the intelligence of your commentary spoke the perfect note to the magnitude of the events. I wish the best for you and pray for your health. I hope you will find a way to use your talents again in a way that fulfills you and enriches your life. Thank you for sharing your talents with us for these last 21 years.
God bless you.
Judson Strain
hi my mother saw you on tv a few times and you went to school with her. her name is christina lukaszewski, from st barts. she wanted me to tell you shes very proud of you and knew you would do great, and you grew up to be more beautiful than diana ross. 😀