David Crabtree Bio: Former WRAL-TV Anchor & CEO of PBS NC

David Crabtree: A Distinguished Career in Journalism

David Crabtree is a well-known American journalist, former television news anchor, and television executive. He is most recognized for his long-standing career at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he served as the lead anchor for much of his 28-year tenure.

Early Life and Education

Birthplace: David Crabtree was born in Nashville, Tennessee.

Education: He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He later pursued divinity studies at Vanderbilt University and Duke University’s Divinity School.

Career Beginnings:

Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, David Crabtree initially pursued a career in music, playing drums professionally and doing session work for radio jingles, which eventually led to a job as a radio disc jockey.

He then transitioned into public service, working as a press secretary for the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Television Journalism Career:

Crabtree began his television journalism career as a reporter at WKRN-TV in Nashville. He later worked at KCNC-TV and KMGH-TV in Denver, Colorado, and WITN-TV in Washington, North Carolina.

In 1994, David Crabtree joined WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he served as the lead anchor for 28 years until his retirement in 2022.

During his time at WRAL, he covered numerous major news events both locally and internationally, including the election of Pope Francis, the funeral of Nelson Mandela, and the funeral of Mother Teresa.

He was known for his compassionate storytelling, notably in his interviews with Holocaust survivors, North Carolina migrant workers, and victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Awards and Recognition:

Throughout his distinguished career, David Crabtree has received numerous accolades for his journalism, including:

16 Emmy Awards
Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award (2007, for a documentary on migrant workers)
Gabriel Award
Four-time North Carolina Journalist of the Year by the Radio-Television News Directors Association of the Carolinas
2014 North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Anchor of the Year
Induction into the North Carolina Media & Journalism Hall of Fame (2023)
Recipient of the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine (2022)

Post-Retirement and Current Role:

Following his retirement from WRAL-TV in 2022, David Crabtree was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PBS North Carolina, where he continues to contribute to public media.

Personal Interests

Beyond his professional endeavors, Crabtree is actively involved in his community.

He is a deacon in the Episcopal Church and is passionate about social justice causes.

His dedication to public service reflects his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Age:

David Crabtree is 75 years old. He was born in 1950 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States.

His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Wife:

David Crabtree is married, but he has kept details about his wife private. He has two grown daughters, and he often shares how proud he is of them.

He also has a granddaughter and a grandson. Despite his public persona, David has managed to maintain a low profile regarding his family life.

Height:

David Crabtree is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs an estimated 150–170 lbs (68–77 kg).

Career and Background:

David Crabtree began his career in broadcasting after earning a degree in journalism. He joined WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he became a respected anchor and reporter.

Known for his thoughtful interviews and dedication to journalism, he has earned numerous awards, including regional Emmys. David also studied theology, showcasing his diverse interests.

Early Career

David Crabtree started his career as a musician, playing drums professionally with bands in Nashville and doing session work for radio jingles. This led to a job as a radio disc jockey.

Transition to Journalism

He left radio to work as press secretary for the Tennessee House of Representatives. His interest in journalism grew, and he began his television career as a reporter on WKRN-TV in Nashville.

Television Career

David’s television career took him to various cities:

KCNC-TV and KMGH-TV in Denver, Colorado

WITN-TV in Washington, North Carolina

WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he served as the lead news anchor for 28 years

Awards and Recognitions

David Crabtree has won 16 Emmy Awards and has been named North Carolina Journalist of the Year four consecutive years.

He has also received the Gabriel Award, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award, and the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Anchor of the Year.

Retirement and New Role

David announced his retirement from WRAL in 2018, but postponed it to continue working until 2022.

In April 2022, he was named interim Chief Executive Officer of PBS North Carolina, and in September 2022, he was appointed permanently to the position by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.

PBS North Carolina

David Crabtree’s appointment as the CEO of PBS North Carolina in 2022 marked a significant transition for the organization.

He brought with him a wealth of experience in the television industry and a deep understanding of the North Carolina community.

As CEO, Crabtree is committed to expanding PBS North Carolina’s reach and impact.

He has overseen initiatives to enhance the organization’s digital presence, increase production of original programming, and strengthen partnerships with local communities.

One of his notable contributions is the creation of “The NC Listening Project,” a program that brings together people from diverse backgrounds to discuss important issues.

This initiative reflects Crabtree’s belief in the power of dialogue and understanding.

Under Crabtree’s leadership, PBS North Carolina continues to be a vital source of information, education, and entertainment for North Carolinians.

His vision and dedication are shaping the future of public media in the state.

Here are more of David Crabtree’s former close colleagues:

Debra Morgan: Longtime anchor who continues to helm the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts.

Gerald Owens: Anchors the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Dan Haggerty: Anchors multiple evening newscasts and hosts the In Depth news segments.

Chris Lovingood: Emmy and Murrow Award-winning anchor who joined WRAL in 2021.

Lena Tillett: Morning anchor and reporter who joined WRAL in 2016.

Mike Maze: Chief meteorologist known for his detailed weather forecasts.

Greg Fishel: Former chief meteorologist who served at WRAL for many years.

Amanda Lamb: Veteran reporter known for her investigative journalism.

These colleagues, along with David, contributed to the success and collaborative environment at WRAL-TV.

Net Worth and Salary:

David Crabtree’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive career in journalism, spanning over three decades.

Salary Details

WRAL-TV: As a news anchor at WRAL-TV, David Crabtree earned an annual salary ranging between $75,000 and $150,000.

PBS North Carolina: After transitioning to his role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PBS North Carolina, his salary increased significantly to approximately $275,000 annually.

David’s financial success is a testament to his dedication and contributions to the field of journalism.

Is David Crabtree Married?

Yes, David Crabtree is married, but he keeps details about his wife private. He has two grown daughters, a granddaughter, and a grandson.

How Old Is David Crabtree?