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On January 17, 2022, Dedrick Russell, the veteran anchor and reporter at WBTV, signed off for the last time, leaving behind a legacy that has created quite a dent in the minds of the people in Charlotte, North Carolina. With his award-winning education and lifestyle stories, he is one of the most trusted voices in the community. The final broadcast by Russell with WBTV marked not only the end of an era in local journalism but also an exciting new chapter in his career.
Russell is not leaving broadcasting but has taken up a new role with the parent company of WBTV, Gray Television. This is a quantum leap in his career, placing him at a higher level and scope than just Charlotte. Regarding details about his new position, they have not been shared, but with nearly two decades in the industry, Russell can fit into any level of the industry and be an asset.
Over the years, Russell has garnered a reputation as an accomplished journalist, whose passion is storytelling. His reporting has shed light on critical issues in education, given voice to community members, and brought an approachable and genuine feel to local news. Whether reporting the latest developments in the schools of Charlotte or highlighting stories that showcase resilience and innovation, Russell has consistently stood by the truth and the people he served.
The career path that Russell has taken has been one of gradual rise in the highly competitive world of broadcast journalism. His journey is truly a testament to hard work, persistence, and an abiding love for the craft of reporting. There can be little doubt among his viewers and colleagues alike that he will continue to excel in his new position with Gray Television and make great contributions to the industry.
While WBTV viewers will miss him on their screens, they should feel proud to know that his next role will put him in a position to help shape the future of journalism on a bigger scale. His legacy remains in Charlotte, and his story is continuing to inspire aspiring journalists everywhere.
Dedrick Russell’s Family
Dedrick Russell was born on September 27, 1966, and hails from Washington, D.C. He is one of two children born to Delrea Joyce Russell and Daniel Russell Sr.
Dedrick has a brother, Daniel Russell Jr., who is a pastor based in South Carolina. Pastor Dan Russell and his wife, Judith Russell, were the subject of media attention in 2014 when they welcomed their first child in their 50s after struggling with infertility for years.
Dedrick and Dan have been musicians since they were children. Dedrick learned to play the violin at the DC Youth Orchestra program and got so good at it that he was performing at the Kennedy Center before dignitaries and at venues in Greece, Yugoslavia, and Puerto Rico. He even won the Feder Competition.
Dedrick recently relived his musical childhood when he performed with the Charlotte Symphony, which was a featured segment on WBTV.\
Dedrick Russell’s Career
Although Dedrick Russell didn’t embark on a professional music career after high school, he credits the exposure it provided with paving his path to broadcast. He got to travel a lot to perform, which gave him all-new perspectives of the world.
He earned his BA in English from Virginia State University in 1989. He recently went back to college and received his master’s degree in communication from Syracuse University in 2020.
Russell’s start in the broadcast industry was at a Beaufort, South Carolina, station, WJWJ, where he singlehandedly shot and edited his stories. He later relocated to D.C. where he was initially a photographer on Newschannel 8 before moving up to reporter. While there, he covered George W. Bush’s first presidential inauguration and 9/11.
Six years later, he came to North Carolina and joined the WBTV news team in 2003. He was a reporter on the education beat and was lauded for his work on that beat as well as his coverage of social justice and community issues. He also co-hosted the lifestyle show and executive-produced community content at the station.
After almost two decades, in late December 2021, Russell announced he was leaving WBTV. He is moving on to a more corporate role at the station’s parent company, Gray Television.
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Dedrick Russell’s Wife and Children
Dedrick Russell and his wife, Valerie Russell, celebrate their wedding anniversary on November 29. They are parents to a daughter, Deja Russell (born 2002). She is majoring in elementary education at the University of South Carolina on a teaching fellows scholarship.
