Deborah Turness Quotes

Powerful Deborah Turness for Daily Growth

About Deborah Turness

Deborah Turness, a prominent journalist and former news executive, was born on April 13, 1962, in London, England. Raised in a family that valued education and journalism, she developed an early interest in current affairs. After graduating with a degree in politics from the University of Sussex, Turness began her career at BBC News in 1984. Over the years, Turness climbed the ranks at BBC, becoming the network's Washington Correspondent and then Washington Bureau Chief. In 2013, she made history as the first woman to be named President of NBC News, overseeing networks such as MSNBC, CNBC, and NBC News Digital. During her tenure at NBC, Turness led coverage of significant events including the Boston Marathon bombings, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and the 2016 U.S. Presidential Elections. She is known for her emphasis on in-depth reporting and fact-based journalism. Turness's influence extends beyond newsrooms. In 2017, she was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), where she serves as a board member. Quotes by Deborah Turness often reflect her commitment to journalism and its role in society. One of her most notable quotes is, "We have a responsibility to hold power to account," underscoring her belief in journalism's role in democracy. Another quote, "Journalists should be curious about everything," reflects her passion for learning and exploration. Turness continues to shape the landscape of journalism, advocating for fact-based reporting and ethical practices in an era of misinformation. Her career serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists around the world.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"News is about conflict and change."

This quote by Deborah Turness emphasizes that news, as a medium, thrives on presenting stories that involve some form of conflict or change. Conflict can be internal (e.g., personal struggles) or external (e.g., political disagreements), while change can be positive (e.g., progress, advancement) or negative (e.g., crisis, disaster). The significance lies in the fact that people are generally interested in knowing how the world around them is evolving, and news serves as a crucial tool to inform about these transformations and tensions.


"At the heart of every story, there's a human element."

This quote by Deborah Turness emphasizes that behind every news story, event, or fact lies a human connection. It underscores the importance of highlighting the personal experiences and emotions tied to the information being reported, as these elements resonate with audiences on an emotional level. By focusing on the human aspect, journalists create engaging stories that not only inform but also inspire empathy and understanding among their readers or viewers.


"Storytelling is at the core of everything we do."

This quote by Deborah Turness emphasizes that narrative, or storytelling, forms the foundation for all human endeavors. Whether it's journalism, business, education, or even personal interactions, we communicate ideas, concepts, and experiences through stories. These narratives help us make sense of the world around us by providing context, creating connections, and evoking emotions. In essence, understanding storytelling is key to understanding human behavior, as it lies at the heart of how we share and process information.


"Good journalism requires empathy and understanding."

This quote by Deborah Turness underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in journalism. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, allows journalists to connect with their subjects on a deeper level. This connection fosters a more nuanced and compassionate portrayal of events and individuals. Understanding, on the other hand, refers to acquiring knowledge about people, places, or issues. When combined, empathy and understanding empower journalists to deliver informative and impactful stories that resonate with their audience.


"The role of news is to inform, but also to challenge, provoke thought, and inspire change."

This quote by Deborah Turness emphasizes that news serves not only as a conduit for information dissemination, but also as a catalyst for reflection, debate, and potential transformation in society. News, in this perspective, is more than just an informative tool; it's a platform for questioning the status quo, stimulating intellectual curiosity, and driving progress through informed engagement. It underlines the crucial role of journalism in fostering a well-informed public that actively participates in shaping their world.


It is both an honour and a privilege to be asked to lead NBC News. The power of the brand, the scale of the legacy, the depth of the talent all make this organisation truly great.

- Deborah Turness

Legacy, News, Honour, Depth

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