In September 2005, correspondent Debbie Elliott became the new host of NPR's Weekend All Things Considered.
As a correspondent for NPR News, Elliott covered the Gulf Shore region. Elliott traveled around the deep South, reporting on a variety of issues and events.
Since joining NPR in 1995, Elliott has covered the re-opening of civil-rights-era murder cases, the legal battle over the Ten Commandments at the Alabama Supreme Court, the Elian Gonzales custody dispute from Miami, local homeland security initiatives, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and a number of hurricanes. She was a part of NPR series on girls and the juvenile justice system, the 50th anniversary of Brown versus the Board of Education, science and the courts, and homework.
In addition to covering news from around the Southeast, Elliott was NPR's specialist on tobacco litigation. She has covered landmark smoker lawsuits, the tobacco settlement with states, tobacco-control policy, and the latest trends in youth smoking.
Elliott also contributed to NPR's ongoing, in-depth coverage of Southern politics. Elliott was stationed in Tallahassee, Florida, for election night in 2000, and was one of the first national reporters on the scene for the contentious presidential election contest that followed. During the 1998 elections, she traveled up Interstate 65 from Mobile to Indiana for a series of conversations with voters.
For more than 20 years, Elliott has been reporting from her native South, a region rich in cultural and historical significance and teeming with colorful characters. In addition to her work with NPR, Debbie has filed reports internationally for the BBC, the CBC, and the former Monitor Radio. She is an occasional contributor to Alabama Public Television. Her experience includes three years in Montgomery, Alabama, covering state government for the Alabama Radio Network, and several years as a sports reporter and producer at commercial radio stations and networks.
A cum laude graduate of the University of Alabama College of Communication, Elliott first worked in public radio during college. She hosted local news breaks during NPR's Morning Edition at WUAL in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she eventually became news director. She served on the national Board of Public Radio News Directors, Incorporated, and helped coordinate the 1994 Public Radio Journalism Conference that led to publication of Independence and Integrity: A Guidebook for Public Radio Journalism. She was recognized as the 2000 Outstanding Alumna in Telecommunication and Film from the University of Alabama College of Communication.
Elliott is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. She was born in Atlanta, grew up in the Memphis area, and now lives with her husband and two children in Washington, DC.
More from KCRW
I’m Gen X. Why are young people trying to date me?!
Health & WellnessIs monogamy or my sexual fantasy the problem? How common is a sexless marriage? I’m Gen X, why are young people trying to date me?
Shoppers mourn 99 Cents Only as stores wind down operations
Business & EconomyBeloved 99 Cents Only stores are closing permanently, so customers are grabbing their final bargains.
Raul Campos' playlist, April 13, 2024
Best New MusicRaul Campos creates a mix of emerging artists and current favorites, bringing essential cuts from around the world and a little closer to home -- from soulful grooves and fresh remixes…
Anne Litt's playlist, April 13, 2024
Best New MusicAnne Litt hosts unexpected choices in progressive pop and new rhythms.
Jason Kramer's playlist, April 14, 2024
Best New MusicFeaturing selections that range from carefully curated music from around the world with unique gems and quality tracks that will satisfy the needs of even the most discerning music…
Today’s Top Tune: Apifera - ‘Theodor Marmalade’
Best New MusicLet’s check out the jazz-leaning, organic sound structures and beautiful arrangements of Apifera..
Dan Wilcox's playlist, April 13, 2024
Best New MusicUnearthing new discoveries, remixes and rarities, b-sides and lost classics.
Justice: KCRW Guest DJ Set
Best New MusicIn between Coachella weekends and ahead of their feverishly anticipated new LP “Hyperdrama,” French duo Justice stop by to nerd out about records.
Nassir Nassirzadeh's playlist, April 14, 2024
Best New MusicIndie found sounds, nostalgic guilty pleasures, and introspective piano solos to help you feel deeply and move freely through life.