Tony Stizza
OAB Hall of Fame
Inducted 3/16/07

The uncanny ability to find the heart of a story and bring it to life through video—that is what distinguishes Tony Stizza as one of the most honored and respected photojournalists in the nation. It has been said that “Tony’s work will capture the emotion of the moment.” His video takes viewers into the story in a compelling and compassionate way.

Tony’s start in broadcasting was while a senior in high school at McAlester’s KTMC AM as a disc jockey. He then honed his craft while in college at KTEN FM and KTEN TV in Ada where he quickly moved up to become the evening news anchor/producer. It was there that Tony decided that photography and editing were more satisfying than presenting the news. So in 1981 he started his long association with KTVY (now KFOR) as a photographer, and in 1987 was promoted to Chief Photographer.

With thirteen Emmy Awards to his credit, Tony has covered the globe and brought it home to us. Through his camera, his documentaries include From Red Soil to Red Square where Tony was the first photographer allowed into the Soviet Union as a part of the glasnost program, and Remember the Dragon, where again Tony was the first photojournalist allowed inside the infamous Hanoi Hilton after unification of the Vietnams. Tony has also covered Oklahoma stories with incredible passion. His Strangers in their Own Land has been internationally known for its sensitive portrayal of Oklahoma’s Indian Tribes. And then April 19, 1995—Tony spent over a full year following the lives affected by the Murrah Building Bombing. The result—Tapestry—was honored by the National Press Club as the Best Program produced in 1996, edging out numerous network documentaries also under consideration.

Today as in the past, Tony continues to win national awards, produce compelling television, and raise the bar for his peers. His career has been dedicated to upholding the highest quality of Television News, and he does so every time he takes his camera on assignment