Carol Marin is one of the most influential American journalists of the modern era, known for her strong principles, professionalism, and dedication to investigative reporting that sparks social change. Her career spans top television networks and major Chicago newspapers, earning her numerous prestigious awards and widespread recognition for her contributions to journalism. Marin is celebrated not only as a correspondent and anchor but also as a political analyst and educator, helping to shape new generations of journalists. Find out more on chicago1.one.
A Crusading Career in Journalism
Carol Marin’s career began in 1972 at WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she worked as a reporter, news anchor, and assistant news director. Right from the start, Marin demonstrated the investigative and analytical abilities that would become her trademark. In 1976, she moved to WSM-TV in Nashville, where her investigative reporting played a key role in the removal and indictment of then-Tennessee Governor Ray Blanton. This work cemented her reputation as a journalist unafraid to expose corruption and the abuse of power.
In 1978, Marin was recruited by WMAQ-TV in Chicago, an NBC affiliate. She worked there for nearly two decades, anchoring the 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts while continuing her investigative work. A famous incident occurred on May 1, 1997, when Marin resigned as an anchor in protest against the station’s decision to give shock-jock Jerry Springer a commentary segment on the evening news—a powerful demonstration of her professional ethics. Her colleague, Ron Magers, followed suit a few weeks later. After their departure, the program’s ratings sharply dropped, and Springer eventually left the station himself.
Just two months after leaving WMAQ, Marin and producer Don Moseley were hired by CBS News. She worked concurrently as a network correspondent and an investigative reporter at WBBM-TV in Chicago. Between 1997 and 2002, she reported for CBS News programs, including 60 Minutes, 60 Minutes II, and Evening News with Dan Rather. In 2002, Marin and Moseley left CBS to found their own independent documentary company, Marin Corp Productions, which created programs for CNN and The New York Times. The company is based at DePaul University, where they also teach journalism ethics at the Center for Journalism Integrity and Professionalism.
In 2004, Marin returned to WMAQ as a political editor. At the same time, she became a political columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and a regular political expert on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight. For over 15 years, she remained an influential figure in Chicago’s media landscape, covering political developments, social issues, and investigations critical to the city and the state. In September 2020, Marin announced she would be leaving WMAQ and WTTW after the general election that November. Her final appearance on WTTW was on November 5th, and her last broadcast on WMAQ was on November 6, 2020, with the station dedicating a segment to her years of work in television.
Landmark Investigations
Carol Marin achieved renown for her groundbreaking investigative reports. Among the most notable are:
- The Governor Ray Blanton Investigation: Marin uncovered numerous corruption schemes, which led to the governor’s resignation and criminal charges.
- The Murder of David Koschman: Co-authored with colleagues from the Chicago Sun-Times, Marin’s investigation exposed details of the case, earning her the prestigious George Polk Award in 2014.
- The Laquan McDonald Shooting: Her reporting on the unjust use of police force ignited a massive public debate on police reform and human rights.
Marin is known for her uncompromising integrity and high ethical standards. She never compromised on truthfulness, objectivity, or the impact of her reporting. Her investigations consistently blended:
- Factual Accuracy: Verifying every detail and confirming information from multiple sources.
- Compelling Narrative Structure: Combining the political, social, and human aspects of events.
- Professional Ethics: Refusing sensationalism in favor of an objective and fair presentation of the facts.
Awards and Accolades
Carol Marin’s career has been marked by countless awards. In 1997, she won a Peabody Award for her overall contributions to journalism. Alongside Don Moseley, she earned another Peabody in 1998 for a documentary on people with facial disfigurements. She also received national Emmy Awards in 1989 and 1998 and two Alfred I. duPont-Columbia Awards in 1986 and 1998.
In 2002, Marin was honoured with the Gracie Award from American Women in Radio & Television. In 2014, she and her colleagues won the George Polk Award for their investigation into the David Koschman murder, and in 2015, she earned a third Peabody for her reporting on the Laquan McDonald police shooting. Furthermore, Marin received an honorary degree from Governors State University in 2018 and became a recipient of the Order of Lincoln in 2025, the state of Illinois’ highest award for professional achievement and public service.
Carol Marin is a symbol of principled and courageous journalism. Her investigations have repeatedly altered the political landscape of Chicago and the US, her teaching has inspired new generations of journalists, and her personal integrity remains an example for professionals worldwide. Through her unwavering commitment to truth and ethical standards, she has rightfully earned her place as one of the most influential journalists of our time.
