Derek James

WCCB News Rising Co-Host/Staff Meteorologist Derek James has been a part of the WCCB Charlotte team since January of 2005.

Derek has a Certificate of Meteorology from Mississippi State University.

Along with co-hosting Rising from 5-9am Derek writes, produces and hosts “The Snark Report,” a daily five minute entertainment news segment full of satirical commentary and comedy sketches. He was voted best male anchor in Charlotte in the 2013, 2014 and 2016 Elevate Magazine “Best of the City” Awards and earned the best on-stage performance award in 2012. Derek was honored with the 2009 Best Weathercast Award by the Radio and Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas (RTNDAC) and the 2010 Best Sports Reporting Award for a story on how weather impacts NASCAR teams.

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.

Derek began his broadcasting career at the age of 15 as host and executive producer of “Video News Live,” a live weekly cable access program in Wisconsin. Shortly thereafter, he was hired as a radio news anchor for WDUX AM/FM. While a sophomore in high school Derek gained national exposure for his coverage of a propane train tanker derailment/fire and 18 day evacuation of residents in Weyauwega, Wisconsin in 1996. He also hosted morning radio shows in Green Bay & Wausau, Wisconsin before moving to Charlotte in 2000.

He actively supports the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and in 2007 was named their “Media Partner of The Year.” Derek has also served as coach for “Let Me Run,” a non-profit that uses running to teach boys to be courageous enough to be themselves, to 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 Choir School at St. Peters, the Association of Fund-raising Professionals & Hinds’ Feet Farm.

Derek enjoys spending time with his wife Kristen, sons Tyler and Chase and their chocolate lab Dawson.

He writes a monthly column for Charlotte Parent Magazine called “Daddy Derek” full of inspiring, funny and interesting advice from a goofy dad’s perspective.

You can email Derek with questions, story ideas or comments at djames@wccbcharlotte.com