MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rudy Williams is co-anchor of ABC24 News at 5 and co-anchor of the CW30 News Right now at 9pm weeknights.
During his time at ABC24, Williams has reported across newscasts and digital platforms covering breaking news and top news stories.
In September 2023, Williams anchored hours-long, wall-to-wall coverage of the Collierville Kroger grocery store mass shooting. Nearly a year later, Williams co-anchored coverage of the tracking and eventual arrest of the suspect on a deadly shooting spree across Memphis that placed the city on lockdown for hours.
Williams also demonstrated his commitment to the public and truth in coverage of the deadly police beating of Tyre Nichols, a pivotal moment in the recent history of Memphis.
When more than a thousand demonstrators protested recent killings of black men by police halted traffic in both directions on an Interstate bridge connecting Tennessee to Arkansas for more that 6 hours in 2016, Williams was one of the first on the scene, talking with protestors from the foot of the bridge during live coverage.
With a keen understanding of the rich culture and history of Memphis, Williams offers critical perspective in the news of the day. Williams has sat down with musicians, artists and civil rights icons, pivotal in shaping the diverse landscape of Memphis.
Ahead of the 50th observation of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Hotel, Williams joined former Atlanta Mayor and U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young (with King the day of his assassination) in an exclusive interview as he recalled the fateful moments standing next to King when he was shot.
Williams was the first journalist to sit-down with former news anchor Don Lemon, just months after his controversial departure from CNN. HIV/AIDs activists and Emmy Award winning actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph, also sat down with Williams over her concerns of rising infections of HIV and lack of adequate healthcare for women in Memphis and across the South.
With a media career spanning nearly 30 years, Williams has been recognized for his work with regional Associated Press and Addy awards, as well as citations by civic and community organizations.
Williams serves the community through his work on the Vestry of his church and several organizations, including Rotary International and editorial and writing for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated of which, Williams is a Life Member.