Flo Anthony, a pioneering entertainment journalist, columnist and television and radio personality, has died of cancer aged 74. Her career was significant for breaking barriers for women of colour in US media, including becoming the first African American woman in the New York Post’s sports and entertainment departments and contributing prominently to celebrity journalism.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1952, Anthony began as a publicist for boxers including Muhammad Ali, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes before moving into journalism during the 1980s. She became a regular presence on programmes including E!’s The Gossip Show, launched the syndicated Go with the Flo column, and hosted nationally syndicated radio features; her death on 6 August was confirmed by Jack Hirsch.