Arkansas broadcasting is mourning the loss of longtime KATV Channel 7 photojournalist Marcus McDonald, who died Thursday after a battle with small cell lung cancer. He was 69.
McDonald spent more than 41 years helping document the people, events and everyday moments that shaped Arkansas.
A native of Magnolia, McDonald joined KATV in 1983 and eventually became the station’s chief photographer. During his career, he covered everything from Friday night football and Arkansas Razorback games to presidential campaigns, breaking news and community stories across the state.
McDonald was known not only for his work behind the camera, but also for the relationships he built with the people whose stories he helped tell.
He once reflected that what made his career meaningful was the people he met throughout Arkansas and the opportunity to share their stories. KATV colleagues remembered him as a mentor who helped teach generations of younger journalists how to work hard, connect with people and approach journalism with compassion.
McDonald’s career earned him numerous honors, including recognition in the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle in 2023. The Silver Circle recognizes television professionals who have served the industry with distinction for at least 25 years and made significant contributions to television and their communities.
McDonald also used his cancer diagnosis to encourage others.
In 2025, he spoke publicly about battling small cell lung cancer after initially being told he had only months to live. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation and later received the FDA-approved treatment Imdelltra. McDonald said his experience gave him a mission to encourage others facing cancer and to urge people to pay attention to their health and seek screening.
His faith was also a major part of his life. McDonald served as an associate pastor at Greater Archview Baptist Church and frequently spoke about relying on his faith throughout his cancer battle.
KATV said McDonald’s greatest pride was his family, including his wife Renee, their children and grandchildren.
His influence extended far beyond the television stories he captured. For more than 4 decades, Marcus McDonald helped Arkansas see itself through his camera, while also mentoring journalists and serving his church and community.
McDonald was 69.
Leave a Reply