ABC7 News Anchor Maureen Bunyan Knighted

On June 13, ABC7 News Anchor and SAG-AFTRA member Maureen Bunyan was knighted and inducted into the Order of Orange-Nassau, a Dutch civic order. The Order of Orange-Nassau is a chivalric honor given to those who deserve recognition for exemplary contributions to society. Bunyan was born in Aruba, which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

At the ceremony, Ambassador H.E. Rudolf Bekink read a decree by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander. “It is an honor to induct Maureen Bunyan into the Order of Orange-Nassau, one of the highest honors the Dutch government can bestow. Ms. Bunyan’s life exemplifies the highest commitment to helping the people of Aruba and Washington, D.C., and building bridges between the kingdom and the United States,” said Bekink.

 “Maureen does so much for so many people here in the D.C. region, it is hard to believe that she has time left over to devote to projects in Aruba,” says ABC7 General Manager Bill Lord. “We’re all very proud that Maureen is part of the ABC7 family and we congratulate her on this outstanding achievement.”

Bunyan is a 44-year veteran of television news who anchors the 6 o’clock weeknight newscasts for ABC7/WJLA-TV. 

Maureen Bunyan, left, with Dutch Ambassador H.E. Rudolf Bekink.

She is known as a leader in the newsroom and an advocate for women and minorities in journalism. She is a founder of the National Association of Black Journalists and a founder of the International Women’s Media Foundation.

In recognition of her contributions to broadcasting, she has been inducted into the NABJ Hall of Fame and honored with numerous professional and community service awards.

The knighting and induction into the Order of Orange-Nassau took place during a private reception at the residence of the Dutch ambassador in Washington, D.C.

SAG-AFTRA congratulates Maureen Bunyan on this remarkable accomplishment! 

This item was originally featured in the July 2014 local newsletter.