WBTV Adds Dedrick Russell As Executive Producer Of Community Content

Dedrick Russell

Dedrick Russell is returning to Gray Television’s CBS affiliate WBTV Charlotte, N.C., as executive producer of community content where the station says “he will have an integral role in the WBTV newsroom finding, sharing and reporting on community-centered stories.”

Russell said: “I am beyond excited to reconnect with neighbors in our surrounding diverse communities to tackle issues they face daily and talk to their leaders to help find solutions. I have been part of the greater Charlotte community for nearly 20 years and am grateful for the opportunity to once again tell impactful community stories, rekindle relationships and get to work to hear and listen from all communities. Now is the time to make a difference.”

Michelle Robinson Harper, WBTV VP-GM, said: “We are thrilled that Dedrick is returning home to WBTV. We could not think of a better person to forge deeper connections between WBTV and the community and tell the stories that need to be told.”

Russell first joined WBTV in 2003 as a general assignment reporter with an emphasis on education and community reporting. He was co-host of WBTV’s lifestyle show QC@3, host of Community Conversations and co-chair of WBTV’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

In January 2022 he moved to a corporate role at parent Gray Television, recruiting journalists for broadcast stations serving 113 markets throughout the country.

Russell began his broadcast journalism career at WJWJ Beaufort, S.C., and worked as the Maryland bureau chief at WJLA Washington.

He has a B.A. from Virginia State University and an M.S. in Communications from Syracuse University School of Newhouse.