Allison Payne joined WGN-TV News in March 1990 as co-anchor of the WGN News at Nine. She also covers local news and feature stories through her work as a general assignment reporter.

Prior to WGN-TV, Payne anchored the nightly news for WNEM-TV in Saginaw, MI. Her career as a television journalist began at WNWO-TV in Toledo, Ohio, where she started as an intern but quickly moved up to anchor of that station's late news.

Payne's work at WGN has earned her numerous awards, including five Emmy Awards. She also hosts WGN's weekly program, "People to People."

In 1999 Payne was recognized by Today's Chicago Woman's special edition of "100 Women Making a Difference in the City." She's also been featured in Essence Magazine for her work at the anchor desk.

Payne is a native of Richmond, Virginia but grew up in Detroit, Michigan where she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Detroit. She also has a Master of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

In 1995, Payne established the Kathryn Payne Memorial Scholarship fund in honor of her late mother. Payne also enjoys reading and traveling in her spare time.

--WGNTV.TRB.COM