Sherman Desselle

Anchor/Reporter

Sherman Desselle is an award-winning Senior Reporter and Fill-in Anchor at the Fox O&O KRIV in Houston. He won an Edward R. Murrow for his documentary "History and Hope, Our Hidden Past."  It chronicles the 1867 race massacres in Southeast Louisiana.  If you click on the Edward R. Murrow icon it will redirect you to the documentary. Sherman's calm, yet urgent demeanor has earned him a large audience that trusts him to tell their stories as if he is a part of them. Sherman came from New Orleans as the Weekend Anchor at WDSU. His broadcast career began over a roast beef sandwich. After graduating from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana with a performing arts degree - Sherman moved back home to Alexandria, Louisiana and worked at a neighborhood grocery store deli until he figured out his next move. He one day sparked a conversation with a customer as he prepared their order. This customer happened to be the content manager for KALB News Channel 5. They offered Sherman a chance to tour the station, and that visit landed him an interview and a chance to become a part-time videographer. He tossed away the apron to enjoy the fast pace and unpredictability of journalism, as well as working alongside talented reporters. Then Hurricane Gustav happened.

Covering storms in Houston and Louisiana is common but experiencing it as a resident of both has been life-changing for Sherman. Recent explosive storms in Houston meant long hours in intense winds, heavy rain, high water, and storm aftermath, getting to the hearts of the people he represents. Covering storms at home in Louisiana is common but experiencing it as a resident of New Orleans was life-changing for Sherman. Hurricane Ida brought historic damage to the Southeast Region, while also damaging Sherman’s own home and evacuating his young family for weeks. Sherman said, “For the first time, I saw what so many people deal with in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Hundreds of thousands of families will be recovering from the catastrophic storm for years, but they remain resilient and helpful to one another, despite the loss.”

When given the opportunity, Sherman loves to tell stories of redemption and hope. In 2021, he was able to exclusively tell the story of Mac Phipps, a well-known New Orleans rapper who served 20 years in prison for a deadly shooting that lacked evidence linking him to the crime. Months after the first story with Mac’s family, Governor John Bel Edwards recommended Phipps be granted clemency. Mac is now a free man and back to creating music, while also mentoring black youth in New Orleans and bringing attention to a crippled judicial system. Sherman says, “Those stories aren’t told enough, and I’m always honored to shed light on those issues.”

Sherman's storytelling has won numerous Associated Press awards - from a small documentary on the Cuban Prison Riots of 1987 to the story of a former drug dealer-turned substance abuse counselor. His years of reporting and anchoring have developed his mentorship skills for younger journalists in the newsroom. He is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Sherman is passionate about community service and development. When he is not behind the desk, he is spending his time speaking to young people in schools, emceeing events and moderating political debates and forums. Through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, he organizes several events to raise scholarship funds for young men preparing to go to college. Sherman still enjoys the performing arts. He served on the Board of Directors for the Rapides Symphony Orchestra for several years and continues to sing and write music for his church in Alexandria.

While his journalism career has provided a lot of different opportunities and commendations, his greatest achievement is being a father and husband.

Sherman is ready to take his career to the next level and tell other people’s stories with an even deeper reflection.