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Proclamation hereby recognizing and congratulating Lynne Hayes-Freeland for her extensive and impressive career with KDKA
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WHEREAS, “you may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” That quote by Maya Angelou truly personifies Pittsburgh native, Lynne Hayes-Freeland; and
WHEREAS, more than forty years ago, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland began her now thriving radio career as producer for the Roy Fox show on KDKA Radio. As an aspiring broadcast journalist student at Duquesne University trying to make her way in a flourishing industry, especially in Allegheny County and surrounding regions, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland worked nights at the Roy Fox show, which she was ultimately fired from and hired two weeks later by KDKA-TV; and
WHEREAS, in the 1970’s when Mrs. Hayes-Freeland went into the broadcasting profession, it was not an easy profession. As a young reporter, she recalled being referred to as a “little girl” during a press conference when she wanted to ask a question; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland joined KDKA-TV2 as a producer for 15 years, a general assignment reporter, and almost ever position that the station needed her to fill; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland moved to the station’s programming department where she created “Weekend Magazine,” and produced what was then known as “Vibrations” program, now known as the “Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show.” The show, which airs on Sunday mornings on KDKA is a true depiction of a minority-oriented public affairs show. Mrs. Hayes-Freeland exposes her audiences to the realities of the African-American community by hosting a variety of guests. Through her show, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland breaks barriers and addresses issues that the African-American community face and forces her audience to realize that those issues are not isolated, but affect the broader community; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland makes a point to continually give back to her community. In 1985, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland produced KDKA’s Annual Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund Telethon for five years. Because of those efforts, she was named the Director of the Community Programs until her move to the news department. As an active member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. she in involved in a variety of community service work; and
WHEREAS, the forty-plus veteran of KDKA-TV has returned to her original radio roots and is the first African American to host a full-time, weekday show in the nearly 100-year history of KDKA Radio. This radio show is a true testament to Mrs. Hayes-Freeland’s work ethic and an important step for African-American women; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hayes-Freeland, a local trailblazer, was honored by Talk Magazine as the 2018 “Person of the Year” at its annual Minority Awards. Achieving this award is an indication of her unwavering commitment as an African-American woman dedicated to pursing her dreams in an often-biased society; and
WHEREAS, it is the diverse and perseverance that epitomizes what Allegheny County is all about. Over the last several years, under the leadership of County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, more and more opportunities have been made available to diverse candidates in hiring and on numerous boards and authorities;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Council Member DeWitt Walton and County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, do hereby recognize and congratulate Lynne Hayes-Freeland for her extensive and impressive career with KDKA, and we congratulate her for becoming the first African-American woman to host a full-time radio show in KDKA history.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 19th day of February 2019.