Spotlighting Award-Winning Journalist: Cody D

Cody D. is an award-winning journalist, producer, and media personality known for sharpening the narrative of the modern South across multiple platforms. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, she brings more than a decade of experience spanning digital news, radio, and television production. A Syracuse University Master of Science in Communications graduate, Cody’s work blends precise reporting with sophisticated storytelling—grounded in community, expanded for national impact.

Her career has moved from early collegiate media to major cultural coverage, including high-profile reporting on Deion Sanders at Jackson State. Today, she continues to shape how audiences interpret politics, culture, and leadership—always with clarity, confidence, and curiosity.

What platform gave you the steepest learning curve—and what did it force you to build?

Cody D: TV challenged me the most because I was hired to produce the midday show, and I had zero TV experience. Typically, you get some training in college, start off in a small market, and then work your way up. I started off in Birmingham, which is considered a top 50 market. That’s not the size market you want to be starting off in TV for the first time, unless you have a boss who is actually going to take the time to really train you, which is rare in this business. And I didn’t get that; therefore, my time working in TV did not last long. However, I learned all the behind-the-scenes of how local TV news worked, and I was challenged to really hone in on my writing skills.

When did you first realize this could become a real career path?

Cody D: I knew in high school that I wanted to become a journalist or work in media when I wrote for the school paper. When I went to college and had to choose a major, journalism was a no-brainer.

You’ve covered both local Birmingham stories and major national moments. How do you decide what gets deeper attention?

Cody D: Sometimes it depends on who I’m working for and who their audience is. If I’m working independently, it’s so easy for me to discuss things that are happening locally, primarily because I previously reported on local issues, and there is usually a follow-up to what I’ve reported on before. However, being able to reach a national audience is my goal, and a lot of times, I like to present facts and things that are happening in the country while giving an informed option based on that story.

Your Edward Murrow Award-winning Deion Sanders coverage was a defining moment. What did it teach you about impactful journalism?

Cody D: I had about a 15-20 minute conversation with Deion Sanders, where I really challenged him on his critiques that he had on HBCUs and the long-term plans that he had with Jackson State University. He really tried to dominate the conversation by not allowing a lot of room for follow-up questions. He wanted to say his two cents and leave the interview, I guess because that’s what he was accustomed to doing, but I wasn’t allowing that. And it validated my belief that it doesn’t matter how “big’ or famous a person is. If they agree to an interview, require them to give you the respect for a real conversation to take place.

What makes a story or an interview truly memorable for you?

Cody D: Two things: If I’m able to ask the question that the people really want to know the answer to, and if the person I’m interviewing is humble and willing to have an authentic conversation with me.

As a journalist, producer, podcaster, and media personality, how do you stay current without losing your own voice?

Cody D: Always paying attention to trends and staying ahead of the curve. Right now, news creators are the thing that’s happening. If newsrooms are not finding a way to implement creative video storytelling into their ecosystem, right now, then they’re already falling behind. It’s the work that I’m currently doing, and I’ve been able to create really meaningful partnerships in my new era of video news creation.

What’s the next chapter?

Cody D: I’m launching a podcast soon, ‘Beyond the Timeline’, a show that goes past the social media posts and personas to uncover the real stories behind dynamic leaders, creators, and change-makers. I’m so excited to launch soon because I’ve been working on this for so long, and I haven’t had my own solo podcast in almost 6 years. So I’m excited to reconnect with the people through my own platform. I’m also continuing to work with organizations by telling meaningful stories around politics and culture.

How can our readers connect with you online? 

Cody D: Connect online: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cody_d__

Website: HOME | Cody D. on Air