Clarice Tinsley

Millions of viewers in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area have turned to FOX 4’s Clarice Tinsley for the latest headlines and the most in-depth news stories affecting Texas and the world.

With major investigative reporting awards to her credit, including the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award, Clarice is uncompromising in her commitment to inform the community thoroughly and credibly.

Recognized as one of Texas’ most knowledgeable reporters, Clarice is on the air and has been on the scene as important news stories unfold.

On November 13, 2008 Clarice celebrated her 30th anniversary with KDFW FOX 4. As part of that celebration, the Dallas County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has named Clarice the 2008 Honorary Race Chair for the 25th anniversary breast-cancer fighting event at NorthPark center.

In November 2008, Clarice received the prestigious A. Maceo Smith Award for education from the African-American Museum in Dallas.

In October 2008 Clarice was honored by the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas with the “Real Girls, Real Women” award. Clarice is proud to let everyone know that she’s a Lifetime Girl Scout.

Clarice is on the Board of Directors of Super Bowl XLV which is being led by businessman and NFL Hall of Famer former Dallas Cowboy quarterback, Roger Staubach. Clarice is also the Chair of the Super Bowl XLV Communications Action Team. Clarice and her committee will create a myriad of events and activities which will connect North Texans to the first Super Bowl to be held in our region. on February 6th, 2011.

In March 2007, Clarice received the Department of Homeland Security Medallion of Excellence for her stories on TSA programs which include IN-line baggage screening at DFW Airport, Explosives Detection Dogs and weapons training that certify pilots to carry guns to defend the flight deck.

In February 2007, Clarice received the FBI Directors Community Leadership Award.

In July, 2006, Clarice got the exclusive interview with Christie Bundren. She is the trucker who was taken hostage and forced at gunpoint to drive her 18-wheeler though 3 countries for more than 3 hours. Bundren shared her ordeal with Clarice during a 3 hour interview. Bundren’s fear, her reaction to the hundreds of people who turned out on the roads to watch her, the police pursuit, what she told her children when she thought she was going to die and how her deceased father helped her prevail are just some of the things she shared with Clarice. In September 2006, Clarice rode with Bundren when the trucker went back on the rode after her hostage ordeal.

Run Way Status Lights is the exclusive story Clarice reported on in May 2006. In a two part Special Report, viewers saw how the F-A-A is testing a red run way lighting system that can make aviation safer by reducing incursions on the ground. This revolutionary system for pilots and air traffic controllers is only being tested at D/FW airport.

“Bomb Dogs” was Clarice’s 2-part Special Report in February 2006. She covered the training of highly specialized dogs and their handlers who make up the TSA’s Explosives Detection Canine Teams. The teams work and train at Dallas Love Field, DFW Airport and airports across the nation. Their mission after the September 11th terrorist attacks is to deter and detect explosives that may be plated by terrorists in the nation’s airports, railway and subway systems.

In November 2005, Clarice reported on Federal Flight Deck Officers. FFDO’s are commercial and cargo pilots who undergo extensive weapons training in Artesia, New Mexico. If they qualify, pilots, co-pilots and navigators are deputized as Federal Officers who are authorized to carry a weapon to defend the fight deck. The Transportation Security Administration created the Federal Fight Deck Officer program because of September 11, 2001.

In May 2005, Clarice traveled to College Station to report on Disaster City. It’s a 60 acre outdoor classroom that was created to teach 1st Responders how to handle WMD and natural disasters. Disaster City is on the campus of Texas A & M University and was created because of the explosion of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

On September 23, 2004, Clarice aired her story on the mother of Lance Armstrong. Clarice interviewed Linda Kelly Armstrong. The mother of the Texan who made history with six consecutive Tour De France victories shared how she and her son overcame the odds by never giving up and never giving in to the word “no”.

The evening of September 25, 2004 was amazing for Clarice. She received three Katie awards that night from the Dallas Press Club. Judges voted her story on “The Door” as winner in the Arts Story category.
The story she did on her extraordinary flight win the “Blue Angeles” won the Feature/ Light category. She was also awarded the J. B. “Buck” Marryat Award for Continued Excellence in Broadcasting.

On September 10, 2004, Clarice aired the story of Peter. Clarice met him while she was an assignment at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Peter was on the 74th Floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center on September 11th. Peter shared his amazing story of how he survived the horror of that fateful day. He reexamined his life and decided to apply to the FBI to become an agent. Peter graduated from the Academy on September 11, 2004 and is serving as an agent in the FBI’s New York office.

In May of 2004, Clarice reported on The Door, a Deep Ellum nightclub with a difference. The Door is a nightclub run by Christians where the 17 to 30 year old crowd rocks out to Christian and secular bands in an environment that serves only non-alcoholic drinks.

In January of 2004, Clarice was Honorary Chair of KidFilm. This annual film festival is for children and is presented by the USAFILM Festival. KidFilm screens movies and films for children that are educational in nature and deal with themes of courage, character, and compassion.

On November 13, 2003, Clarice celebrated her 25th anniversary at KDFW FOX 4. She made history that day by becoming the longest tenured News Anchor at the same station in the Dallas Forth Worth television market. Her remarkable day was celebrated on the air from Good Day until FOX 4 News at 10. “CT-25: A Silver Celebration” was a special program that highlighted her body of work. It also featured apart of her private life as well as remarks from dignitaries. Clarice was additionally honored by the Mayors of Dallas, Forth Worth and Arlington who proclaimed the day “Clarice Tinsley Day”.

In October 2003, Clarice and her Co-Anchor, Baron James, won a Katie from the Dallas Press Club. They were recognized as “Best Anchor Team”.

On September 24, 2003, Clarice took a once in a lifetime flight. She was invited to fly in Blue Angel 7. The F/A-18 Hornet was piloted by Lt. Craig Olson. The U.S. Navy jet took off from Alliance Airport in Fort Worth at a 45-degree angle and Clarice loved every second of her remarkable experience.

In August 2003, Clarice was in Detroit when the Blackout of 2003 occurred. She called the Fox 4 Newsroom by landline and was live on the air describing how the massive power outage was affecting Detroit.

“Inside the F.B.I” was the series of special reports that Clarice brought FOX 4 viewers from March through May 2003. She was selected as a member of the Citizen’s Academy. During the 8 week course, Clarice and her classmates learned the inner workings of the Dallas F.B.I. office. Agents talked about their work locally and internationally in the fight against terrorism, white-collar crime, child pornography, bank robberies, major violent crime, civil rights violations, cyber crime and drug trafficking. Clarice experienced what F.B.I S.W.A.T team. Members go through when they wear 40 pounds of protective gear. She was also a Negotiator during an F.B.I command Post hostage drill.

In April 2003, Clarice had the pleasure of serving as Celebrity Chair of the Symphony Derby at Lone Star Park. The Derby raised funds to support the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Organizations such as the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra.

On February 1, 2003, Clarice was part of Fox 4’s weekend coverage of the explosion of the Space Shuttle Columbia over North Texas.

In October 2002, Clarice received her second Emmy. She was awarded the Silver Circle for her 25-year career making significant contributions to the Television Broadcast Industry.

In September 2002, the Press Club of Dallas at the Legends Luncheon honored Clarice for her 24 years anchoring the news on KDFW FOX 4.

Also in September of 2002, Clarice taped a Public Service Announcement with her dear Friend, Dr. Suzanne Ahn. She was a Dallas Neurologist who had never smoked but she developed lung cancer just from breathing our air. In the P.S.S, Dr. Ahn urged North Texans to call the National Lund Association and fight to clean our polluted air. Sadly, Dr. Ahn lost her courageous battle against lung cancer on June 22, 2003.

On May 11, 2002, Clarice was Chairwoman of the 18th Annual Gala for the African American Museum of Dallas. More than twelve hundred guests attended this black tie event. The O’Jays performed. Neiman Marcus donated a $5,000.00 shopping spree and Clarice helped the Museum make this an exciting and profitable event.

April 30, 2002, Clarice got the first interview and gained personal insight from F.B.I. Special Agent in Charge, Danny Defenbaugh. He talked to Clarice on the day of his 32-year career as an F.B.I. agent.

In April 2002, Clarice conducted a one on one interview with Laura Bush. The First Lady was in Dallas to attend the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Clarice’s interview ranged from asking the First Lady about her Mother who is a breast cancer survivor, to the Clarice’s interview ranged from asking the First Lady about her Mother who is a breast cancer survivor, to the Middle East crisis, Crawford ranch diplomacy, the condition of women and girls in Afghanistan and how September 11th has changed Mrs. Bush’s life and what she hopes Americans will learn from the tragic day.

In March 2002, Zeta Phi Beta honored Clarice for her work as a journalist and in the community naming her their “Woman of the Year”.

On February 2002, Tom Thumb Supermarket created a radio tribute honoring Clarice. The spot ran on seven Dallas Fort Worth radio stations and in all 71 North Texas Tom Thumb Supermarkets.

On July 5, 2000, the family of George Dawson turned to Clarice to give her the sad news; the 102-year-old Texan had died. Over the years Clarice reported several stories about the inspirational Texan who learned to read at the age of 98.

In February 2001 Dixie Buchanan granted her first television interview to Clarice. Mrs. Buchanan was the first wife of slain Irving Police Officer, Aubrey Hawkins. Together they had a son, Andrew. Mrs. Buchanan shared with Clarice how painful the adjustment is for her son to life without his father. She also showed Clarice and Fox 4 viewers the memorial Andrew created in his bedroom to honor his hero, his dad. Officer Hawkins was killed on Christmas Eve 2000 during the robbery of the Oshman’s store in Irving.

In November 2000, Clarice filed a Fox 4 Focus Report called “Do Manners Still Matter?” The report featured local parents and their children. Etiquette expert, Letitia Baldridge, outlined the societal causes for the decline in manners and she offered solutions.

In May 2000, Clarice anchored 7 hours of live coverage with Chief Meteorologist, Tim Heller, and Fox 4 reporters as the Texas tornadoes tore through Fort Worth, Arlington and Grand Prairie.

In July 1995, Clarice began a weekly series, “Clarice’s Hometown Heroes” seen every Tuesday on Fox 4 News. In this series, Clarice profiles ordinary North Texans who perform outstanding volunteer work to make life better for others.

In 1994 Clarice and a Fox 4 camera crew went to Brazil to report on “The Lost Confederates, “a look at modern day southern descendants who revere the history of their ancestors while living and recreating the southern lifestyle in Brazil.

In May 1986, Clarice and Channel 4 were able to “Salute Texas” by traveling across our state and anchoring the news at 6 and 10 from a different city each night for three weeks.

When the Shuttle Challenger exploded in January 1986, C0rice flew to the Johnson Space Center in Hometown and anchored live coverage and reports during the four tense days that followed.

In 1985, she received the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award –the highest honor in broadcast journalism for her investigative story, “A Call for Help.” The report, which made national and international news, dealt with a Dallas man who called 911 emergency numbers to send an ambulance for his dying stepmother. Instead, he got arguments and delays, which caused the woman’s certain death. As a result, the Dallas Emergency Medical Service program made a major change in policy and operations.

In addition to the Peabody Award, “A Call for Help: garnered the Alfred I. DuPont Columbia Citation Award; the Texas Headliner Award for investigative reporting; the Associated Press Award for Best Investigative Reporting in Texas; The Journalistic Award of Excellence from the American College of Emergency Physicians; and an award from the Texas Public health Association.

Another special report, “Hospice: A Peaceful Passage”, won first place from the Texas Public Health Association.

Clarice began 1992 on national television. She reported live during the Cotton Bowl Parade and let viewers across the nation know just how special Dallas is. Clarice’s on-air coverage of virtually every major news story is supplemented by her behind-the-scenes insight into today’s key issues. Her special assignment reports that touch on such topics have earned praise locally and nationally.

In 1991, the Gulf saw Clarice reporting from Saudi Arabia & Kuwait. Clarice talked with hundreds of North Texas men and women serving in the Persian Gulf and reported their status back to the North Texas community. Clarice Tinsley was the only local Dallas/ Fort Wroth news anchor to go to and report from the Gulf.

In 1989, Clarice flew to Germany to cover the fall of the Berlin Wall and its impact on the North Texas defense industry.

In 1986, she anchored and reported on international drug smuggling in Texas from El Paso.

In 1982, 1984, and 1988, Clarice covered both Republican and the Democratic National Conventions, including news made by members of the Texas delegation. Again, in 1992, Clarice provided on site coverage of the Texas delegation from the National Democratic convention in New York. No newcomer to political coverage, Clarice covered the inaugurations of Presidents Clinton, Bush and Reagan.

Other special assignments have enhanced Clarice’s outstanding reputation in the North Texas broadcasting community. In 1992 Clarice’s series “Lone Star Courage” examined how four Texans overcame extraordinary tragedy by reaching out to help others. She examined the after-effects of the killer tornado in the West Texas town of Saragosa in a multi-part series.

In her eight part special report, “A Question on Pornography”, she dealt with pornography’s role in American society, from religious concerns to the industry’s profiteers.

Clarice made many Texans aware of measures they could take to lower cholesterol and improve their longevity in the five-part Health check series. “Doctors on Drugs: Prescription for Abuse”, a four-part probing drug abuse among physicians, alerted patients and the medical community to the growing problem.

Clarice also was the 1998 recipient of the Texas State Teacher’s Association “School Bell Award” for her Hometown Hero’s story on the
Zaragozo Readers; Jr. High School girls who help Zaragoza Elementary students with their reading skills.

In 1998, Clarice was named an “Unsung Angel” by Pi Beta Phi sorority for her work on behalf of the children at St. Phillips’s school & community center in South Dallas.

In 1995, Clarice was honored by Girls, Inc. with their coveted “She Knows Where She’s Going: award for her work in the community.
In 1991 and in 1993, Clarice was named Television Personality of the year by the Dallas/ Fort Worth chapter of American Women in Radio and Television.

Clarice is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys Football fan. In 1991-1992 she and Jan Wannstedt, the wife of Dave Wannstedt, former defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, hosted a series of “Ladies Locker Room: classes to teach women the basics of football.

Additionally, Clarice anchored live coverage of the Dallas Cowboys and their fans during the week in Pasadena leading up to the Dallas cowboys winning Super Bowl XXVII.

In 1993 Clarice resumed “Ladies Locker Room” with Dallas Cowboys special teams coach, Joe Avezzano. When the Dallas Cowboys went back to the Super Bowl in 1994, Clarice was in Atlanta to anchor FOX 4’s coverage.

In 1993, Clarice won an Emmy for her live hosting of the Dallas Cowboys 1992 Pep Rally at Texas Stadium prior to the NFC Championship Game.

Clarice was involved in FOX 4’s two-year education project: Great Expectations 4 Texas”, covering the many aspects of this innovative program that seeks to help teacher, parents and students improve the quality of Texas education. Her role included visiting schools and getting to know teachers who positively influence education. Clarice profiled many of these outstanding teachers in her weekly: Class Act: news segment.

Clarice was the only journalist in the country from a local television station to be represented in Miller Brewing Company’s “Gallery of Greats”. This 1987 salute to 160 years of black journalism in American profiled twelve journalists – one for each month – in a collection of oil paintings that were unveiled at the national Press Club in Washington, D. C. The collection toured the country before it was permanently enshrined in Chicago’s DuSable Museum.

As an ambassador to the community, Clarice spends many of her off-camera hours speaking to civic groups around North Texas. She is a sought-after speaker who is also involved with numerous community and civic organizations. Clarice is an active supporter of the African American Museum in Dallas. She’s on the Advisory board of the St. Phillips’s Community School in South Dallas. The private school has established the Clarice Tinsley Journalism Scholarship. Clarice is also on the advisory board for the School of Journalism at SMU.

Prior to FOX 4, Clarice had been with WITI-TV in Milwaukee, where she held various positions from 1975 through 1978. Starting as a general assignment reporter, Clarice later became producer and co-host of a monthly public affairs show, as co-anchor of the weekday noon news. In May 1978, she became the co-anchor of the Saturday 10:00 PM news.

Clarice Tinsley was born in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State University with a BA in Liberal Arts, majoring in Radio, TV and Film. In 1988, the Wayne State Alumnae Association named her as Headliner at a special luncheon. And, in 1992, Clarice was awarded Wayne State University’s Arts Achievement Award.

Clarice shares her private moments with her husband, Stephen Giles, Vice President of Marketing and Sponsorships of eWomennetwork.com. She enjoys working out, reading, acquiring art, traveling, dancing, listening to music and spending time with her family and friends. Clarice also paints works of art in the medium of acrylic on canvas.