Karen Holmes Ward

Karen Holmes Ward
Born	Cleveland, Ohio
Alma mater	Boston University School of Public Communication
Occupation(s)	Radio and television broadcaster
Father	Clarence Holsey Holmes

Karen Holmes Ward is a broadcaster and director in Boston. Holmes Ward is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services at WCVB-TV and the host of CityLine, a magazine program chronicling the lives of people of color in Boston. ^[1]

Early life and education

Ward grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. In high school, Ward was involved in the media club and was the first female play by play announcer for the school's basketball team. Ward studied broadcast journalism at Boston University's School of Public Communication and graduated in 1977. ^[2]

Career

Ward is also a member of the Divas Uncorked group of African American women who want to make wine more approachable to people of color. ^[3]

Ward's community service efforts after the Boston Marathon attack were recognized with the National Association of Broadcasters’ Service to Community in Television award. ^[4] Ward received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. ^[5]

Awards

In 2023, she was recognized as one of "Boston’s most admired, beloved, and successful Black Women leaders" by the Black Women Lead project. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

References

1. "News Team - WCVB NewsCenter 5". WCVB. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
2. www.bu.edu https://www.bu.edu/alumni/files/2020/05/S.1-Ep.18-Karen-Holmes-Ward-Transcript.pdf. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2024-12-08. Retrieved 2025-07-28.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
3. Goodison, Donna (17 July 2009). "'Divas' uncork wine deal with Stop & Shop". McClatchy - Tribune Business News. ProQuest   457946456 . Retrieved 2025-07-28.
4. "Karen Holmes Ward - Speaker". MA Conference for Women. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
5. Fact, Matter of (2021-09-20). "Karen Holmes Ward". Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien. Retrieved 2025-07-28.
6. "Black Women Lead". Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
7. Sullivan, Mike (2023-10-04). "Portraits along Blue Hill Avenue honor Boston's Black women leaders". CBS Boston. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
8. Gaskin, Ed (10 April 2025). Black Women Lead: Boston's Most Admired, Beloved, and Iconic Leaders, 1700 - Present. Independently published. ISBN   979-8317465209.