Ep 66: The Many Roles Of Deborah Roberts: Sister, Co-Anchor of 20/20 & Mother of The Bride
How She Does ItShow Notes
Deborah Roberts is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning journalist. She has graced our television screens for 30+ years, from her early days at stations in Columbus, Knoxville, and Orlando to one of the most coveted jobs in the business: co-anchoring 20/20 at ABC News. That rise has come with its share of lessons and shifting priorities, but Deborah is now clearly at the top of her game.
The New York Times best-selling author’s new book was inspired by her early life growing up with six sisters in Perry, Georgia. It’s called “Sisters Loved and Treasured Stories of Unbreakable Bonds.” In it, she interviewed a number of sisters to gain perspective on what makes this relationship so unique and essential.
These days, Deborah and husband Al Roker are empty-nesters, and she’s knee-deep in preparation for her daughter Leila’s wedding next spring. In this episode, Deborah opens up about working her way through the ranks of TV News, her thoughts on America’s fascination with true crime, and how she’s grown to appreciate the special relationship she has with her siblings.
💬 In this episode, we explore:
Deborah’s decision to turn down a big network job just as she was about to become a mother, and how that impacted her career
The ways Deborah’s work and leadership style has shifted and evolved
The story of how Deborah and Al first met and her thoughts on having a partner who is in the same industry (Hint: sometimes it’s great, and occasionally, it’s not-so-helpful.)
What it was like interviewing daughter Leila and step-daughter Courtney about their relationship for her book
Memories from her time growing up in Perry, Georgia, including moving from a segregated elementary school to an integrated school.
You can see more of Deborah on ABC’s 20/20 on Friday nights and streaming the next day on Hulu and Disney+. You can also hear more on the 20/20 podcast she hosts called "The After Show" - available wherever you get your podcasts and on video on Hulu and Disney Plus.
Resources:🔗 Visit ABC News 20/20
🔗 For Information on “Sisters Loved and Treasured Stories of Unbreakable Bonds.”
📸 Follow Deborah Roberts on Instagram
🎧Listen To Deborah Roberts on “The After Show”
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