Television Host, Meteorologist, Radio Personality, Writer
On Air
Derek hosts “WCCB News Rising,” a four hour morning news and entertainment show on Charlotte’s CW affiliate. He also writes, produces and hosts “The Snark Report,”a daily pop culture segment full ofsatirical commentary, jokes and comedy sketches.
He has served as a special correspondent for “Anderson Live” and has covered several red carpet events in Hollywood. Derek was voted best male anchor in Charlotte five times in the last seven years in Elevate Magazine’s “Best of the City” Awards, most recently in 2019. Derek was honored with the 2009 Best Weathercast Award by the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas and the 2010 Best Sports Reporting Award for a story on how weather impacts NASCAR teams.
Prior to joining WCCB in 2005, Derek was Assistant Program Director/Music Director/Afternoon Personality for 107.9 The Link and an on-air personality for Star 94 in Atlanta. Derek was also the morning host on Charlotte’s K104.7 for two years.
Derek began his broadcast career at the age of 15 as host and executive producer of Video News Live, a live weekly cable access news program in Waupaca, Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a radio news anchor for WDUX AM/FM in Waupaca. While a sophomore in high school, Derek gained national attention for his coverage of a propane train tanker derailment/fire and 18 day evacuation of residents in nearby Weyauwega in 1996.
Behind the Scenes
Derek writes a monthly column for Charlotte Parent Magazine called “Daddy Derek,” full of inspiring, funny and interesting advice from a goofy dad’s perspective.
Derek also serves as a head coach for “Let Me Run,” a non-profit that uses running to teach boys to be courageous enough to be themselves, build healthy relationships, and to live an active lifestyle.
Derek also donates time to many other non-profits including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Humane Society of Charlotte, The American Diabetes Association, Susan G Komen For The Cure, Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Smiles 4 Life, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Hinds’ Feet Farm and several local schools.
He lives in Matthews, NC with his wife Kristen and sons Tyler and Chase.
Derek James’ hosting style is all about being authentic and engaging. James shines in his host role on WCCB News Rising with a quick wit, great sense of timing, and the ability to bring out the best in everyone around him.
In his anchor role, Derek pays keen attention to detail and stays on top of major news events and pop culture stories. James takes conversation to the heart of the matter and how it impacts the viewer. He is armed with a strong work ethic and passion for deep discussion about the news.
For over 3 years, Derek James has been the writer, producer and host of “The Snark Report,” a daily entertainment news segment full of satirical commentary. The Snark Report also features Derek’s original parody songs and appearances from characters including Snarknac the Magnificent.
Derek is a staff meteorologist at WCCB and holds a Certificate of Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He was honored with the 2009 Best Weathercast Award by the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas (RTDNAC).
Derek James writes a monthly column called “Daddy Derek” full of inspiring, funny and interesting advice from a goofy dad’s perspective in both the print and digital versions of Charlotte Parent Magazine.
Derek began his professional broadcasting career at WDUX radio as a high school sophomore. More than 20 years later, he’s still at it. Before joining WCCB Charlotte, Derek was the assistant program director/music director at 107.9 The Link and executive producer of the Matt & Ramona Show. He also hosted radio shows for Star 94 in Atlanta and spent a year and a half as the morning host at K104.7.
