Alabama broadcaster Mel Showers, who broke racial barriers in a Deep South newsroom and became a beloved and trusted newsman along the state’s Gulf Coast, has died.

“Words cannot express what a wonderful man Mel was,” said current News 5 anchor Devon Walsh. “He was my first co-anchor and mentor. He treated everyone with respect. His legacy is kindness, professionalism, and always wanting to make sure what we reported was correct and unbiased.”

As the WKRG family mourns the loss of legendary News Anchor Mel Showers, so are the viewers who grew up watching him. Mel was on air for half a century, becoming a household name. “You have certain TV shows that are like comfort shows to you,

MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA) - Longtime local news anchor and Mobile native Mel Showers has passed away, according to WKRG. Showers worked at WKRG-TV for 50 years and was inducted into the Alabama Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2016.

Legendary News 5 anchor Mel Showers, who worked at Mobile’s WKRG-TV for nearly 50 years, died this weekend at 78 years old, according to a recent announcement from the station. “The family at this time requests privacy and prayers and will release arrangements at a later time,

Mel Showers, a pioneering figure in broadcast journalism and a staple on Alabama's Gulf Coast television for 50 years, has died at 78. Showers’ family announced his death, requesting “privacy and prayers” and stating that funeral arrangements would be shared at a later time,