WCIA news anchor Dave Benton’s fight against brain cancer was as public as it was courageous, and he no doubt helped innumerable cancer survivors while continuing his work in the most public of settings.
The longtime newsman died Tuesday, six weeks after leaving the air. He was 52.
Benton was a popular figure in Central Illinois news, broadcasting with the Champaign CBS affiliate for a decade. He teamed with Jennifer Roscoe to form what was the most visible on-air — and off-air — tandem in the recent history of televised news in C-U. Benton disclosed his condition in September. Last month Benton announced that his health would force him to relinquish his anchor duties.
He also gained acclaim through work that benefitted the community, earning the distinction of having two awards named after him through his affiliation with the Champaign County Crime Stoppers.
To honor Dave and all of his considerable contributions to Central Illinois, we are re-publishing Dave’s Dad to Know from June 2010 while sending our deepest condolences to all who mourn his passing.
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From June 9, 2010:
Meet the man behind the desk. He’s been coming into your living room, bedroom and kitchen for the past five years as a news anchor on WCIA 3 and WCFN 49. Raised in the Chicago suburbs and a graduate of Northern Illinois University, Benton knew he wanted to be a news anchor from an early age. He worked in markets in Minot, N.D.; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Wausau, Wis. before coming to Champaign-Urbana. When Benton isn’t working, he is spending time with his wife of 24 years and his 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son.
Q: You’re a dad and you’re on TV. Who was your favorite (fictional) TV dad and why?
My favorite dad would probably be Dr. Cliff Huxtable from the Cosby Show. I liked the way he’d listen to his children and depending on the situation, not always give them the answer or tell them what to do. Sure sometimes there’s a clear right and wrong and parents have to be parents. But I think giving your kids good advice and letting them come to the right decision on their own can often be more beneficial for them.
Q: Is it hard to go to the grocery store when you’re a local celebrity?
No, it’s not hard to go grocery shopping. I think it’s an honor when viewers come up to me to say Hi or even complain about something. Isn’t that what we all do with our friends? If our viewers feel that comfortable with me, then I’ve made a connection with them and that’s a good thing.
Q: Your children are older now and one is out of the house. How do you like to spend time with them and how has it changed over the years?
I like to hang out with my kids, share music from our iPods and just talk. What’s going on in their lives? How’s school? Friends? Work? What fun things have you been up to? We like to go to movies, go out to eat and play board games (Apple to Apple is my daughter’s favorite!) but it’s really all about being together and staying connected. When the kids were younger, we played games but it was more about teaching them numbers, colors, words, how to share. Now, I’m the one learning.
Q: I heard that you enjoy working out and bodybuilding. Any tips for how active dads can keep exercise in their routine?
What parent isn’t busy nowadays! But I think it’s important for Dads (and Moms) to have a way to release everyday stress. A little “me time” is good. For me, that’s bodybuilding. And whether it’s biking, walking, jogging or playing baseball.. I’d encourage Dads to make it a part of their daily or weekly routine. You really do have to “pencil it in” like taking the kids to school or picking up the dry cleaning. When my kids were little, I’d go to the gym after they went to sleep or at 5 in the morning before they got up. Now that they’re teenagers, I get a little more sleep!
Q: Why are you active in Champaign County CrimeStoppers?
I joined Champaign County CrimeStoppers shortly after I moved here five years ago. Honestly, the anchor before me was on the board, so I took his spot. But I quickly became passionate about the group and it’s mission when looking at how successful it has been. More than 1,600 cases solved, 1,200 criminals caught and more than $84,000 paid out in rewards. It’s truly a community partnership with one simple goal: making our neighborhoods safer. I’ve been honored to receive a few awards because of my involvement, most recently the Urbana Police Department gave me a Certificate of Recognition. But I share those awards with WCIA 3 viewers. It’s less about me and more about them. They’re the ones calling in tips and helping to make Central Illinois a better place to live.
Q: What would be an ideal Father’s Day for you?
Honestly, it would be nothing special. And I know this will sound cheesy, but it’s true. Family and friends have made me a “wealthy” man. So, a Sunday in June with them would be great. (And unlike most Dads, I don’t mind getting a tie, so if I get one GREAT!)