Deidra Dukes
Weekend News Anchor, FOX 5 Atlanta
A member of the FOX 5 family since 2005, Deidra Dukes has been recognized by several metro Atlanta organizations for her professional achievements and community service. In May of this year, Dukes was the recipient of Woman University’s “Woman of Influence and Impact Award.” In October 2015 she was awarded the “Leading Lady Award” by Diamond in the Rough, a youth development and leadership program. In 2008, Eta Omega Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. presented Dukes with the Professional Media Award. The California native earned her first big break in television as an anchor-reporter in Fresno and Redding, California. She credits her success to internships that gave her industry exposure while she was in college.
“I earned a B.A. in information and communication studies at California State University, Chico,” Dukes said. “While in college, I worked for the college radio station as a reporter. I also interned at the CBS television affiliate during that time and was hired as a part-time reporter for the station my senior year of college.”
In the years since, she found that many of the successful women she admired were assertive, resilient and empathetic — traits she continues to emulate and model for those she has the power to influence.
“I’ve worked hard to gain the trust and respect of our viewers and realize the great responsibility that comes with the job,” said Dukes. “Just as I’ve benefitted from the great work of news veterans who came before me, I also strive to be a role model for the next generation of young journalists.”
Since making the move to Atlanta Dukes has gotten involved in several community programs, working closely with groups like Junior League of Atlanta, the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists, and as an advisor to the American Red Cross Minority Recruitment Program. Her favorite quote is attributed to Maya Angelou: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
