Jessica Larché, an alumna of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), was among those who were honored and received the prestigious National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence award in the Television – March 16 & Below: Feature: Short Form category for her story, Virgina Historians Shine Light on Lesser-Known Black History at Bacon’s Castle in Surry County. The honor was conferred during NABJ’s annual gala at its Convention & Career Fair in Chicago.
Larché, news anchor and reporter for WTKR-TV in Norfolk, Virginia, was recognized for her exceptional work on a special report that delved into the untold history behind one of the country’s oldest brick buildings. Her storytelling and dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices has earned her high praise among her peers.
Before joining WTKR’s news team, Larché served the Jackson, Mississippi, community as an investigative reporter at WDBD-TV. Her investigations exposed a lack of fire hydrants in a predominately Black neighborhood—a series of reports that resulted in the City of Jackson’s installation of new fire hydrants to protect the community.
Prior to her time in Jackson, Larché made history as the first news anchor for FAMU-TV 20’s live broadcast. She also produced award-winning radio documentaries on Hurricane Katrina and the death of Martin Lee Anderson while serving as the news director for WANM 90.5.
Throughout her career, Larché’s work has been recognized through several awards including a regional Emmy® Award, NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards for investigative reporting, Virginia Association of Broadcasters Award, Virginia Associated Press awards, Mississippi Associated Press awards, Florida Associated Press awards, and William Randolph Hearst awards.
Larché, also a wellness and mental health advocate, shared her personal health journey in the Emmy®-nominated “Jessica on a Journey” series. She was featured on the cover of Woman’s Day Magazine’s February 2016 heart-health issue for her 100-pound weight loss.
