About Bea; Her Journey

Beatrice Thompson: a pioneering broadcaster.

Photo by Kevin Douglas @CapturedbyKevin.com

From Charlotte to becoming a Global media trailblazer.

Beatrice Thompson is a broadcast veteran in the Carolinas, with more three decades of experience in Television, Radio and Public Relations.

A native of Charlotte, Ms. Thompson attended Charlotte Mecklenburg schools & the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in Radio & Television broadcasting.

She began her broadcast career at WBTV Channel 3 in Charlotte—where she became the First African-American female news anchor in Charlotte. NC-anchoring the station’s morning & midday newscasts. She also co-hosted the station’s entertainment show -”Back Stage after Dark.“

Ms. Thompson went on to become a corporate spokeswoman for Duke Power Company, now Duke Energy—one of the major energy producing corporations in America. She specialized in the area of environmental issues.

NBC News in Charlotte was the next step for Ms. Thompson, where she became the morning new anchor, and went on to an eleven year run that included reporting & broadcast specials.

Thompson was News & Public Affairs Director for WBAV101.9FM—a CBS Radio Station.

She anchored a daily top rated news show, “The Front Page with Bea Thompson” and the highly rated Sunday talk show, ‘Straight talk with Bea Thompson”.

Ms. Thompson is also the host of “Queen City Limits” a television talk show program in cooperation with the city of Charlotte.

Ms. Thompson has received numerous journalistic & community involvement awards, and sits on several boards and advisory committees across the region.

Her efforts garnered the NAB Radio Crystal Award for WPEG/POWER98 and top ten finalist for WBAV-101.9FM--- THE ONLY radio market under one owner (CBS) with two of the top ten finalists.

Her accolades include:

*The Creative Loafing “Critic’s Pick-Best Radio Show-Straight Talk
*The “Women Who Lead Award” from Maya Angelou & the Charlotte United Negro College Fund organization
*Community Blood Center of The Vision Award from the Carolinas
*Second Harvest Food Bank Media Award
*U.S. Small Business Association Award
*National Women of Achievement Award and Sigma Gamma Rho “Odyssey of a Woman” Award

Beyond the accomplishments and awards for her work, she is most proud of daughter, Jamila Omari Rasheed. Jamila is the owner of I.D. Marketing Solutions Co., and currently serves as president of the Young Alumni Council for her Alma Mater, Claflin University and the previous Miss. UNCF/Claflin (pictures below).

Ms. Thompson is also a history & trivia buff, who loves to bake & travel.