About Derek Staahl

I believe in the power of responsible journalism to cultivate meaningful change. My investigative series on contracts and conflicts of interest in the Scottsdale Unified School District resulted in changes to Arizona state law—work recognized with a regional Emmy and an Arizona Education Association award. My reporting on the medical marijuana industry spurred lawmakers to establish Arizona's first contaminant testing standards. Shortly before the bill was adopted, I was invited to testify before the Arizona State Senate, an invitation I declined per my station's ethics policy.

I've reported nationally on CNN, HLN, and Newsy. My wildfire coverage in San Diego earned my first regional Emmy.

At ABC 10News San Diego, I launched "In-Depth," a long-form storytelling brand that became a model for 60 television stations across the country. I trained colleagues in these techniques and anchored in multiple roles, including as primary news anchor.

I'm a Los Angeles native and a graduate of USC, where I finished magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. While there, I played drums in rock and jazz groups and played quads in the Trojan Marching Band drumline. After college, I started my news career at ABC 27News in Madison, Wisconsin, where I got my first lesson on driving in snow. I then joined San Diego's CW station and rose to weekend anchor.

When I'm not reporting, you'll find me on the golf course, at a live concert, or cheering on the Trojans.