Darryl
Hood
Award-Winning Weeknight News Anchor
Nearly two decades of broadcast journalism — from Los Angeles to Montgomery, bringing you the stories that matter every weeknight at 6 & 10 PM.
WAKA Action 8 News
Weeknight Anchor
A Career Built on Passion & Purpose
Since October 2014, Darryl Hood has served as the weeknight news anchor and managing editor for WAKA Action 8 News, delivering trusted journalism to viewers across Alabama's River Region every evening at 6 & 10 PM. An award-winning broadcast journalist, he brings nearly two decades of expertise in anchoring and investigative reporting to the anchor desk.
From the age of 16, Darryl demonstrated unwavering commitment to pursuing excellence in broadcast journalism. Through determination, mentorship, and the steadfast support of his family, he transformed his aspirations into reality— securing a career that provides unprecedented access to history in the making and the privilege of bringing critical stories to communities across America.
His professional journey commenced at the Orange County Newschannel (OCN) in California, where he reported while completing his degree at California State University, Northridge—demonstrating early dedication to both academic excellence and hands-on journalism experience.
Darryl's career trajectory spans major and mid-sized markets nationwide: weekend anchor/reporter at KQTV (St. Joseph, Missouri); five years of anchoring and reporting in Las Vegas, Nevada; coveted reporting positions at KCAL-TV and its sister station KCBS-TV in Los Angeles—fulfilling a lifelong dream; investigative reporting at KCNC-TV in Denver, Colorado; and anchoring the Emmy Award-winning newsmagazine "LA This Week" for LA CityView Channel 35.
His versatility and expertise have been proven across diverse markets, including prominent roles in Memphis, Tennessee, and Columbia, South Carolina, where he consistently delivered impactful journalism that resonated with local audiences.
Beyond the newsroom, Darryl is an avid traveler, accomplished salsa dancer, and dedicated community advocate. He actively immerses himself in Alabama's River Region, building meaningful connections with residents and championing the stories that define the community's character and values.
"A front row seat to history-making events."
From Coast to Coast
WAKA Action 8 News
Weeknight News Anchor & Managing Editor
Current role — anchoring weeknights at 6 & 10 PM since 2014
WACH Fox
Anchor
Evening news anchor in South Carolina
LA CityView Channel 35
Anchor — 'LA This Week'
Emmy Award-winning weekly newsmagazine
KCNC-TV
Reporter
Covering stories in the Mile High City
KCAL-TV / KCBS-TV
Reporter
Reported for his dream station and its sister station
Las Vegas TV
Anchor & Reporter
Five years covering news in Sin City
KQTV
Weekend Anchor / Reporter
First anchoring role in the heartland
Orange County Newschannel (OCN)
Reporter
Started career prior to graduating from Cal State Northridge
Small Market
Drawing from his extensive career across markets big and small, Darryl Hood authored "Small Market" — a candid look into the world of local television news, the challenges broadcasters face, and the rewarding journey of storytelling in communities across America.
The book offers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective that aspiring journalists and media enthusiasts alike will find both insightful and inspiring.
The Reporter's AI Deskbook
A Practical Guide for Television Journalists. In "The Reporter's AI Deskbook," Darryl Hood equips broadcast journalists with practical, field-tested strategies for using artificial intelligence in the newsroom — helping reporters work faster without giving up accuracy, judgment, or trust.
From research and writing to fact-checking and ethical guardrails, this desk reference shows how to integrate AI tools into everyday television journalism responsibly.
Watch Darryl in Action
Video reels and newscast clips from Darryl's broadcast career
Darryl Hood — Resume Reel
Anchor & reporter demo reel showcasing broadcast journalism work
WAKA Alabama News Network — CBS 8 at 6PM
Evening newscast open from Selma/Montgomery with Darryl Hood
Photo Gallery
WAKA Action 8 News
Behind the Scenes
On Location
Broadcast Journalism
At the Anchor Desk
Professional
Daybreak News
LA Magazine
Team 5 at Ten
Special Event
Downtown Countdown
Alabama News
News & Articles
WAKA Articles
GM Says it Will Phase Out Cars Without Air Bags by 2019
General Motors Co. says it's phasing out cars without air bags and other safety features by 2019.
Delta Drops Fee For Tickets Bought on Phone and at Airports
Delta Air Lines said it would drop the fee for U.S. consumers who buy tickets over the phone or at airports.
Dothan City Commissioner Found Guilty of Assault
A judge has convicted a Dothan city commissioner of assaulting a television news reporter.
MPD Investigation Shooting in South Montgomery
Montgomery police are investigating a shooting on the city's south side.
TSA Finds 4 Loaded Guns in Bags at Birmingham Airport
Federal officials say four loaded firearms were found at security checkpoints within three days.
Judge Won't Dismiss House Speaker Mike Hubbard's Ethics Case
A judge has refused to dismiss ethics charges against House Speaker Mike Hubbard.
WACH Blog Posts (Columbia, SC)
S.C. Man: Voting a Must Before Voter ID Law Takes Effect
For one South Carolina voter, voting in this year's election is a must before the state's new voter ID law takes effect.
T-shirts Creating Controversy for Midlands Taco Restaurant
Controversy is swirling around a Midlands taco restaurant because of t-shirts that its employees are wearing.
The Race for the White House Moving Forward
Coverage from Tampa as residents heed weather warnings during the presidential race.
Minding Your Mic
A behind-the-scenes look at life as a broadcast journalist — because you always have to mind your mic.
Small Market Blog
Don't Overstay Your Welcome
As long as I have worked in the TV news business there is one thing that's been consistent the entire time; people complaining. The only way things are going to change, personally or professionally, is if you make them change.
The CBS Evening News: Proof Good Old Fashioned Storytelling Still Works
I've always said that when you write stories you need to connect with your viewers on an emotional level and that's exactly what the CBS Evening News does. It's good old fashioned journalism that stirs my emotions.
Why You Should Think Before You Speak
The fact that people in your small market do know you not only means they're watching your newscast, but they're also listening to what you say. This is why it is important that you think before you speak.
Small Market TV Reporters, When Things Go Wrong Are You Ready?
Working in the TV news business you've got to expect the unexpected; after all it is live television. As a reporter working on live television, you've got to be ready to tell your story regardless of what happens unexpectedly.