2007 Inductee
There is no question that Terri Watkins has made a significant contribution to broadcasting in Oklahoma. As an investigative journalist, she was always known for professionalism, accuracy and integrity. She could be trusted. She was tough, but fair. She wasn’t afraid of anyone. She put in the effort to get the stories right, not just first. She had the reputation of being knowledgeable, conscientious and dedicated.
Raised in Norman, it all started back in the 70’s when Terri first started in journalism as a radio reporter, then she made the jump to television in 1981 joining KOCO in Oklahoma City.
Through the years, Terri has been on two Peabody award winning teams, has earned the Edward R. Murrow, Houston and New York International Film Festival awards for investigative reporting, six Emmy award nominations, and numerous AP and Oklahoma Broadcaster Association awards. She has been a member or officer of IRE, the investigative reporter organization, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, Sigma Delta Chi, and two-term president of FOI Oklahoma.
She has covered and investigated many major stories, including the Murrah Building Bombing, the subsequent Timothy McVeigh trial and his execution, and has even hosted “Nightline” for ABC.
In 2006 Terri left KOCO to work at the state capitol, finally getting to use – in a different way – her degree in political science and her many years of personal experience and contacts. She’s now gone from the airwaves as an unmatched investigative reporter, but the standard she set for that kind of work will remain for many years to come.