Jeff Derderian
Investigative Reporter
Jeff Derderian is recognized as a “Reporter’s Reporter,” a title that reflects his strong commitment to investigative journalism over more than 20 years. Throughout his career, he has been acknowledged for his excellence in the field, earning three Emmy Award nominations, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and several Associated Press Awards. His professional journey has been centered on uncovering critical stories, breaking exclusive reports, and providing audiences with clear and factual information. He upholds a reputation for credibility and perseverance in delivering high-impact journalism.
Reporting on Historic and National News
Over the years, he has reported on some of the most essential news events. Jeffrey Derderian was one of the first television reporters from New England to reach the scene following the attacks of 9/11. He spent three weeks in New York City, documenting the events and aftermath, helping to inform viewers during a national crisis. His coverage extended to the Columbine School Shooting, one of the earliest widely reported school shootings in the United States. He also covered the return to space by a historic astronaut, providing detailed reporting on a nationally significant moment.
His work has also reached national platforms. Derderian has appeared on the Today Show to report on severe weather and has been featured on CNN. These contributions reflect his trust in delivering timely and reliable news locally and nationally. His peers and the public view him as a consistent and dependable figure in journalism.
Passionate About His Work, Uncovering the Truth, Making a Difference
As a freelance investigative reporter for WTNH-TV in New Haven, Connecticut, Jeff focuses on stories that matter. Reporting for the Hartford market, he actively identifies pressing issues and builds reports that offer depth and understanding. One of his recent reports, titled “How Technology Is Changing How Emergency Responders React,” earned an Emmy nomination. The piece examined a real-time video tool developed by three former students that allows municipalities to stream live footage during 9-1-1 calls. This system is available nationwide at no cost, with optional advanced features offered for purchase. Though still early in its implementation in Connecticut, the technology promises to improve emergency response significantly. The Emmy Awards will be held on June 7 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Derderian's investigative work often leads to tangible results. A notable example is his report on the murder of a visiting nurse, which helped lead to new laws in Connecticut aimed at protecting nurses and home healthcare workers. His approach to journalism is rooted in accuracy, responsibility, and ethical standards. He prioritizes thorough research, verification, and legal review in every report he produces.
Collaborative Media Contributions
At WTNH-TV, Jeff is involved with editorial and contributes content for both on-air broadcasts and digital media platforms. His recent report on the mayor of Ansonia’s public apology for controversial Facebook comments illustrated his focus on accountability and public dialogue. Additionally, his exclusive story about a criminal case referred to as the “Connecticut Cannibal” was picked up by a larger publication, broadening the impact of his investigative work. His ability to cover various issues, from political to criminal matters, demonstrates his versatility as a reporter.
Local Reporting
Jeff's reporting often focuses on subjects that directly affect communities. These include public safety, corruption, local government issues, and crime. He explores complex and sensitive topics with attention to detail and clarity, helping viewers understand the deeper issues. His reports are known for their depth and relevance to real-life concerns.
Derderian also worked as a freelance reporter at News 12 Connecticut in Norwalk, developing investigative and long-form stories. His contributions spanned both television broadcasts and online content. In this role, he built comprehensive reports that engaged viewers across different platforms and strengthened his profile in local journalism.
His Earlier Work in Boston, MA, and Providence, RI
Before returning to Connecticut, he spent over six years reporting for WHDH-TV in Boston, where he also served as a weekend fill-in anchor. During that time, Derderian covered numerous breaking news events and special features. His experience covering the events of 9/11 in New York positioned him among the first New England reporters to report live from the city in the hours after the attack. His on-the-ground updates provided audiences with essential information during a time of uncertainty.
His earlier experience also includes work at WLNE-TV in Providence, Rhode Island. There, he served as an anchor and investigative reporter. He was the lead producer for a segment called “You Paid for It,” which focused on revealing government waste and political misconduct. He also handled breaking news assignments and regularly filled in on the anchor desk for weekday evening and weekend broadcasts. His time in Providence laid the groundwork for his investigative focus and on-air presence.
Derderian On the Radio
Jeff's experience also includes radio. He hosted a live news and interview show on WROL-Radio in Boston, where he discussed current issues and interviewed guests. His time on the radio added another layer to his journalistic skills and gave him another platform to engage with the public.
A Graduate of Rhode Island College
Derderian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Rhode Island College in Providence. His academic foundation in communication has supported his reporting career, giving him the tools to convey information clearly and ethically across various media formats.
His Philanthropic Work
Outside of journalism, Jeff supports several charitable causes. He has contributed to a Connecticut-based domestic violence initiative. He regularly donates to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Big Sisters, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Food Bank, and the Tomorrow Fund. The Tomorrow Fund assists children undergoing cancer treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and provides financial and emotional support to their families.
In His Free Time
He leads a healthy and active lifestyle. He enjoys running, exercising, and staying physically fit. He also values time spent with his dogs, which offers balance and comfort outside his busy professional life.
Jeff Derderian continues to be a respected name in journalism. His commitment to thorough reporting, ethical standards, and meaningful storytelling has made him a trusted source of news and information. Through each story he tells, he maintains his role as a reliable and influential voice in investigative media.
To Know More, Visit:
WTNH Investigative Reporter Jeff Derderian Nominated for Prestigious Emmy Award
News 8 Brings Home Multiple Regional Emmy Awards
2025 Boston/New England Emmy® Award Recipients (PDF)
Jeff Derderian Resume (PDF)
News 8 Brings Home Multiple Regional Emmy Awards (Yahoo)
47th Boston–New England Emmy® Award Nominations List (PDF)
Former Boston TV Reporter Jeff Derderian to Host ‘Boston Beyond’
News 8’s Jeff Derderian’s Exclusive on the CT “Cannibal” Case
News 8 Investigation: Why Prosecuting Hate Crimes Can Be Difficult
Watch: Black Bear Follows Elderly Woman Through Her Neighborhood
News 8 Investigation: Connecticut Cemeteries
Reporting on Historic and National News
Over the years, he has reported on some of the most essential news events. Jeffrey Derderian was one of the first television reporters from New England to reach the scene following the attacks of 9/11. He spent three weeks in New York City, documenting the events and aftermath, helping to inform viewers during a national crisis. His coverage extended to the Columbine School Shooting, one of the earliest widely reported school shootings in the United States. He also covered the return to space by a historic astronaut, providing detailed reporting on a nationally significant moment.
His work has also reached national platforms. Derderian has appeared on the Today Show to report on severe weather and has been featured on CNN. These contributions reflect his trust in delivering timely and reliable news locally and nationally. His peers and the public view him as a consistent and dependable figure in journalism.
Passionate About His Work, Uncovering the Truth, Making a Difference
As a freelance investigative reporter for WTNH-TV in New Haven, Connecticut, Jeff focuses on stories that matter. Reporting for the Hartford market, he actively identifies pressing issues and builds reports that offer depth and understanding. One of his recent reports, titled “How Technology Is Changing How Emergency Responders React,” earned an Emmy nomination. The piece examined a real-time video tool developed by three former students that allows municipalities to stream live footage during 9-1-1 calls. This system is available nationwide at no cost, with optional advanced features offered for purchase. Though still early in its implementation in Connecticut, the technology promises to improve emergency response significantly. The Emmy Awards will be held on June 7 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Derderian's investigative work often leads to tangible results. A notable example is his report on the murder of a visiting nurse, which helped lead to new laws in Connecticut aimed at protecting nurses and home healthcare workers. His approach to journalism is rooted in accuracy, responsibility, and ethical standards. He prioritizes thorough research, verification, and legal review in every report he produces.
Collaborative Media Contributions
At WTNH-TV, Jeff is involved with editorial and contributes content for both on-air broadcasts and digital media platforms. His recent report on the mayor of Ansonia’s public apology for controversial Facebook comments illustrated his focus on accountability and public dialogue. Additionally, his exclusive story about a criminal case referred to as the “Connecticut Cannibal” was picked up by a larger publication, broadening the impact of his investigative work. His ability to cover various issues, from political to criminal matters, demonstrates his versatility as a reporter.
Local Reporting
Jeff's reporting often focuses on subjects that directly affect communities. These include public safety, corruption, local government issues, and crime. He explores complex and sensitive topics with attention to detail and clarity, helping viewers understand the deeper issues. His reports are known for their depth and relevance to real-life concerns.
Derderian also worked as a freelance reporter at News 12 Connecticut in Norwalk, developing investigative and long-form stories. His contributions spanned both television broadcasts and online content. In this role, he built comprehensive reports that engaged viewers across different platforms and strengthened his profile in local journalism.
His Earlier Work in Boston, MA, and Providence, RI
Before returning to Connecticut, he spent over six years reporting for WHDH-TV in Boston, where he also served as a weekend fill-in anchor. During that time, Derderian covered numerous breaking news events and special features. His experience covering the events of 9/11 in New York positioned him among the first New England reporters to report live from the city in the hours after the attack. His on-the-ground updates provided audiences with essential information during a time of uncertainty.
His earlier experience also includes work at WLNE-TV in Providence, Rhode Island. There, he served as an anchor and investigative reporter. He was the lead producer for a segment called “You Paid for It,” which focused on revealing government waste and political misconduct. He also handled breaking news assignments and regularly filled in on the anchor desk for weekday evening and weekend broadcasts. His time in Providence laid the groundwork for his investigative focus and on-air presence.
Derderian On the Radio
Jeff's experience also includes radio. He hosted a live news and interview show on WROL-Radio in Boston, where he discussed current issues and interviewed guests. His time on the radio added another layer to his journalistic skills and gave him another platform to engage with the public.
A Graduate of Rhode Island College
Derderian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Rhode Island College in Providence. His academic foundation in communication has supported his reporting career, giving him the tools to convey information clearly and ethically across various media formats.
His Philanthropic Work
Outside of journalism, Jeff supports several charitable causes. He has contributed to a Connecticut-based domestic violence initiative. He regularly donates to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Big Sisters, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Food Bank, and the Tomorrow Fund. The Tomorrow Fund assists children undergoing cancer treatment at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and provides financial and emotional support to their families.
In His Free Time
He leads a healthy and active lifestyle. He enjoys running, exercising, and staying physically fit. He also values time spent with his dogs, which offers balance and comfort outside his busy professional life.
Jeff Derderian continues to be a respected name in journalism. His commitment to thorough reporting, ethical standards, and meaningful storytelling has made him a trusted source of news and information. Through each story he tells, he maintains his role as a reliable and influential voice in investigative media.
To Know More, Visit:
WTNH Investigative Reporter Jeff Derderian Nominated for Prestigious Emmy Award
News 8 Brings Home Multiple Regional Emmy Awards
2025 Boston/New England Emmy® Award Recipients (PDF)
Jeff Derderian Resume (PDF)
News 8 Brings Home Multiple Regional Emmy Awards (Yahoo)
47th Boston–New England Emmy® Award Nominations List (PDF)
Former Boston TV Reporter Jeff Derderian to Host ‘Boston Beyond’
News 8’s Jeff Derderian’s Exclusive on the CT “Cannibal” Case
News 8 Investigation: Why Prosecuting Hate Crimes Can Be Difficult
Watch: Black Bear Follows Elderly Woman Through Her Neighborhood
News 8 Investigation: Connecticut Cemeteries
