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April/May 2024 | maconmagazine.com 37 Women are an integral part of today's local television scene. This wasn't always the case. But thanks in large part to the trailblazing efforts of Angel Irving and the late Del Ward, a female on-air presence is here to stay. But it was her decision to return to Macon in 1954 for a radio gig with WNEX. That choice put her on a path toward community news and information, which she used as a platform to highlight the good in guests. "Her gift and mission was to put the spotlight on others. She really did make ordinary people feel special," said Warren. In 1957 she became the host of "Date with Del", a brand new WMAZ-TV show. It proved to be Ward's wheelhouse, and through it, she connected with the community. Warren shared that her mother interviewed an impressive array of people during her 40 years with Channel 13. Ward was able to snag a smorgasbord of celebrities in music, movies, and television including Burt Reynolds, Buddy Ebsen of "Beverly Hillbillies" fame, popular Black actress Butterfly McQueen, Zsa Zsa Gabor of "Green Acres," and Elton John. Traveling with her mother was routine, she says, DEL'S DATE WITH DESTINY In the world of local television, talk show host Del Ward remains a name known in many circles. An examination of her time in TV hints that she may have had a date with destiny. Born Delores Ward in Macon, she began theater as a child. From the outset, her parents recognized her talents and fostered them. After attending Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia, Ward began reading trade magazines for jobs and worked first in radio in Indiana before heading to Chicago, according to her daughter Hannah Napier Warren, a retired professional living in Macon. While in the Windy City, Ward became the country's first female all night deejay, and her engaging on-air persona made her so popular among men she received marriage proposals and accolades. Ward later worked in New York radio, recording movie reels and shows like "The Plainclothesmen." ABOVE LEFT Promotion for Ward's radio show, on the cover of a 1954 WNEX radio schedule. Photo housed in the UGA Hargrett Library, published courtesy of WNEX, 100.9 The Creek. Del Ward reviewing the day's script, ca. late 1950s. Photo housed in the UGA Hargrett Library. Published courtesy Ward's estate.