Ruth Allen Ollison facts for kids

Ruth Allen Ollison is an African-American journalist. She is from Houston, Texas. She made history as the first African-American woman to become a news director in a major TV market. This happened when she worked at KDAF. Ruth has spent over 20 years working in broadcast journalism.

Ruth Ollison's Early Life and Family

Ruth Allen Ollison was born in a rural area of Texas. Before she became a journalist, she worked as a waitress. She is married to Quincy and they have a son named Jacob.

Ruth also went to college for advanced degrees. She studied divinity at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She also earned a PhD in ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Ruth Ollison's Career in Journalism

Ruth Ollison has worked in many news departments. Her career took her to different cities in Texas and Washington, D.C.. She was an assistant news director at WTTG-TV in Washington D.C. She also worked for news groups in San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas, Texas.

She even helped start an NBC TV station in Tyler, Texas. Ruth also managed the KDAF and KXAS channels in Dallas.

Ruth Ollison and the National Association of Black Journalists

In 1989, Ruth Ollison ran for president of the National Association of Black Journalists. This campaign lasted for eight months. She was also a regional director for the association for four years.

Other Work and Community Involvement

Ruth Ollison has also taught at several universities. These include Houston Baptist University and Houston Graduate School of Theology. She also works as a government contractor. She helps train people who work in broadcasting. She is also an expert at helping news departments that are struggling.

Ruth Ollison is also the founder and spiritual leader of the Beulah Land Community Church.

Key Achievements in Journalism

Ruth Ollison is well known for starting the news department at an NBC station in Tyler, Texas. She also helped improve many news departments that were having problems. These were in Texas and Washington D.C. Ruth has led news departments that won Emmy Awards. She is known as a "turnaround specialist." This means she can fix struggling news organizations.

Her work has inspired many women leaders, like Patricia Vice. You can see Ruth Ollison's work on the "Women Who Lead" show from HCCTV.

Ruth Ollison's Impact on Journalism

In 1985, Ruth Ollison made history. She became the first African-American woman to be a News Director in a top ten market. This was for her work at KDAF in Dallas, Texas.

She worked in broadcast communication for 20 years. During this time, she helped many struggling news departments. She became news director at KETK in Tyler, Texas. She was also assistant news director for Fox Channel 5 in Washington D.C. As a turnaround specialist, she improved many news departments.

Ruth Ollison strongly supports diversity in newsrooms. She actively looked for African-American news casters. She also started a ministry to help improve conditions in inner-city Houston.

What People Say About Ruth Ollison

The National Association of Black Journalists has praised Ruth Ollison. They said she "has shown renowned strengths in news reporting, anchoring, and management." The Atlanta Daily World also praised her. They noted her work as a news executive in improving various news networks. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Beulah Land Community Church.

Awards and Recognition

Ruth Ollison's work in broadcast journalism has earned her a special honor. She was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists' Hall of Fame.

• NABJ Hall of Fame (2012)

See also

• National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame