The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Beloved KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Karin Phillips passed away suddenly in 2011 after a brief illness. She was 53. Karin’s news beat kept the Philadelphia region aware of all the unique organizations, programs, and events that make a difference in our community.

She joined the all-news staff in 1979 as a production assistant, and through the years wore many hats at the station – including reporter, writer, and daytime editor.

Before becoming a part of the KYW Newsradio team, Karin worked as a reporter for the Burlington County Times. She was also an anchor and producer for Express Traffic Services.

Karin was an adjunct professor teaching broadcast journalism at Rutgers University, where she graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Spanish, and a minor in journalism. In 1998 she obtained her Master’s degree there.

During her undergraduate studies, she was a reporter and editor of the campus newspaper and president of the Spanish Club. She was named Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and was honored as one of the 50 finest graduates of Rutgers University-Camden.

Karin was also a member of the Philadelphia Flying Phoenix Dragon Boat team, which raises money for the fight against breast cancer. As a member of the team, Karin helped pack surplus food for distribution to feeding organizations and helped prepare meals at the Ronald McDonald House, a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving hospital treatment in the region.

Karin was a native of Philadelphia and resided in South Jersey at the time of her death. She was a member of the Christian Bell Choir of Burlington County, which performs in neighborhood churches, senior centers, nursing homes, and for inmates at county prisons and jails.

In 2009, Karin received the Human Rights Award for Arts and Culture from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Rights. In 2004, she received the Outstanding Community Service award from the Philadelphia Council of Clergy, the largest multicultural religious clergy organization in Philadelphia. Karin is survived by her mother and brother.

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com