Cynthia Newsome’s legacy: Career included cancer awareness, reporting on OKC bombing
The bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 remains the most deadly act of domestic terrorism in the history of the United States: 168 people killed, 19 children, nearly 800 injured.
Cynthia Newsome, then a young Oklahoma City newscaster and reporter, was there, speaking to the victims. Her interviews from that moment, triggered by the obsessions of bombers Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, would later be chronicled at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
“You know, for me, she was just one of the kindest souls, and just an incredible storyteller, a very empathetic journalist who tried to stand in your shoes as she told your story,” said Kari Watkins, the president and chief executive officer of the museum. “Just her interviewing on the scene, interviewing family members or survivors, mainly first-responders — getting the take of the day from the fire chief or the governor: She was an important part of the storytelling of this event.”
Newsome’s interviews remain a part of the museum’s archive.
A beloved and respected newswoman in Kansas City for nearly 30 years, Newsome on Tuesday died following a years-long battle with cancer that began in 2011. It was one, which as anchor at KSHB 41 News, she shared with graceful candor with her television viewers.
Cynthia Newsome’s career
Newsome had a laudable career, one that began with radio and moved to television.
Among her achievements:
In 2012, Newsome was inducted into the Silver Circle by the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the organization that awards local Emmys. The Silver Circle Award is a lifetime achievement award given to television professionals who have devoted 25 years or more to the industry. It acknowledges a legacy of excellence, community service and industry membership.
At the time she received the award, Newsome was also praised for coverage, while in Oklahoma City, of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building and giving voice to its victims.
In 2008, Newsome’s reporting on radon awareness and lung cancer garnered the American Cancer Society’s 1st Place award for community awareness. The Kansas Association of Broadcasters later honored Newsome for stories on mold found in Central High School.
In December 2025, in recognition of Newsome’s contributions as a news reporter, anchor and director of community partnerships, KSHB named its newsroom “The Cynthia Newsome Newsroom” in her honor.
Outpouring on social media
On Tuesday, tributes to Newsome as both a news anchor and caring individual flooded social media.
“My heart is heavy,” former colleague Keith King wrote on Facebook. “I had the privilege of sitting next to Cynthia at the anchor desk for a decade. She walked the walk, showing through her actions what it meant to be a kind, generous, humble, and caring professional. Beyond being a dedicated journalist, Cynthia represented a life of service.”
Away from her news duties, Newsome in 1997 co-founded the nonprofit Awesome Ambitions with then-Kansas City Star journalist Angela Curry. The organization focused on college and career readiness for Black and brown girls.
“Her work with Awesome Ambitions had a huge impact on the lives of young women in Kansas City,” King wrote. In a separate email to The Star, he said, “Everyone I’ve talked to today is reeling from her passing.”
King praised Newsome as a journalist. “She was fantastic in breaking news situations,” he said. “I always felt comfortable sitting next to her whenever we anchored breaking news together. Maybe it was her experience in radio before coming to Kansas City, but she was always calm and steady under pressure. . . .
“But I think the story that had the greatest impact was her personal journey with cancer. She was very open and vulnerable in sharing her diagnosis and journey, which is not easy to do when you are used to telling powerful stories about others. She navigated her journey with bravery and class, and it had a profound impact on many people facing their own cancer journeys.”
Cancer journey
Newsome was first diagnosed with cancer in 2011.
Following treatment, her cancer went into remission a year later, according to her KSHB profile. Seven years later, the cancer returned, a diagnosis that Newsome shared in 2019.
Newsome left her anchor duties in 2022, to become the station’s new director of community partnerships. In 2025, she again announced to viewers that she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“My heart aches for our beautiful friend,” former news anchor Elizabeth Alex wrote on Facebook.
“She was the epitome of heart, love and acceptance,” former colleague Meredith Hoenes-Buckman wrote.
Former weatherman Gary Lezak wrote, “Cynthia was truly one of the kindest people I have ever known. . .She always had a beautiful smile, a caring heart, and a way of making everyone around her feel special. . . .We will miss you, Cynthia. Thank you for your friendship and for being such a bright light in so many lives.”
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 1:16 PM.
