To say the news business has changed in the last 30 to 40 years is an understatement. Too often, sensational leads and slick production win out over substantial content and quality reporting. But sometimes you come across a newsperson that hustles for a story, not just to say they were the first to break the news, but because its information the station’s listeners need to hear … a person who takes community commitment to heart.
Deborah Pearson, news anchor and reporter at WOOF in Dothan, Alabama, is that kind of newsperson – which is why the Alabama Broadcasters Association chose to induct her into the Association’s Hall of Fame.
“I think in radio you are a servant of the community and that you should just try to give back in any way,” says Pearson. “I know that’s why I was always doing something community-service wise. I see that as an extension of my job … wanting to tell the stories of people.”
Pearson has gone over and above what is expected from a news anchor or reporter so that she can make a real difference in Dothan. She’s become a mentor to so many young people in the community … not just in a professional sense but also as a coach and guide about life in general.
I was a part of an organization that mentored young men of distinction … African-American young men,” she explains. “They were high school juniors and seniors, and I really, really worked hard to raise scholarship dollars that we used for them to go off to school. My son was in the program when he was in high school,” she adds proudly.
“We taught them about money and finances … about learning to vote … things of that nature that would help them build their life and career.“
Being a woman … and a woman of color … presented extra challenges for Pearson to overcome in her career, but when asked to elaborate, she chose to present her experience in a positive light.
“I did face some adversities when I first came to WOOF in the early nineties,” she explains. “But when you’re on the radio people don’t see what you look like. So they automatically assumed I was Caucasian and then they’d be surprised when I started going to community events and press conferences. That’s part of the mystery of radio and I love it.”
Pearson has a funny story about what happened when a listener assumed she was white.
“I got invited to a Klan meeting one year! I know the lady had no idea that she had invited a black woman and Miss Agnes said that I absolutely could not go. But it was funny because I was able to get all the information about when and where the meeting was to take place. I called the sheriff and I asked him, ‘Are you aware that there is a Klan rally planning to take place in Cottonwood on Saturday?’ And they were able to contact the Alabama State Troopers who showed up at the rally!”
It was a simple twist of fate that actually brought Pearson into the radio business. “When I was in high school, I used to read the newspaper like I was a television anchor,” laughs Pearson. “But when I got into college I weighed less than 100 pounds. I knew carrying around heavy television equipment was not for me. So I went into radio because a radio recorder versus the camera and battery packs! Well, I’ve been in love with radio ever since!”
And the radio business loves Pearson. Receiving an award is nothing new. Her mantle must be laden with shiny plaques and trophies. “I got my first award and then they kept coming and kept counting, I’m like, oh my God, Lord, you have put me in a place that you really wanted me to be,” she smiles. “Yes. This ABA induction validates all of the hard work that I have done in the past 30 plus years. So it has all come to fruition and has just proven that I’ve been a pretty good journalist.” she says – preachin’ to the choir.
