By Argus Media Staff
KSDK 5 On Your Side has named veteran journalist Denisha Thomas as its new news director, placing an experienced newsroom leader at the helm of the station’s broadcast, digital and streaming news operations.
Thomas brings more than 15 years of local journalism experience to St. Louis. She most recently served as news content director at WXIA-TV 11Alive in Atlanta and previously held news director positions at WWL in New Orleans and WATN in Memphis. Her career also includes newsroom leadership experience in Jonesboro, Arkansas; Cleveland; and Buffalo.
A three-time Emmy-nominated producer and four-time regional Edward R. Murrow Award winner, Thomas is a fellow of the Carole Kneeland Project for Responsible Journalism and has participated in leadership development through the Poynter Institute and Washington Post Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media.
Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree in Convergence Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.
In her new role, Thomas will focus on strengthening KSDK’s community connection, developing newsroom talent and delivering consistent, audience-focused journalism across multiple platforms.
“KSDK has incredible talent and a deep connection to the community it serves,” Thomas said. “I’m looking forward to building on the newsroom’s strong foundation to continue delivering trusted journalism to our viewers.”
Thomas is scheduled to begin her new role August 6, 2026.
