Osama Ayyad is a digital desk producer at 5 On Your Side in St. Louis, Missouri, and has nearly seven years of experience working in and with news media.
Osama came to 5 On Your Side in March 2022 after working for several years at KSDK sister station WWL-TV in his hometown of New Orleans. His career at WWL came after enlisting twice in the U.S. Army and studying journalism and political science at Loyola University New Orleans.
His Army career began in 2011 when he served as a 13M, a heavy rocket artillery crew member. He served with the 2nd Battalion 18th Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before deploying with the B Batter, 2-18 to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Motivated by his experiences, Osama reenlisted but chose to become a 46Q, a basic public affairs specialist and Army photojournalist.
After training at the Defense Information School in Fort Meade, Maryland, Osama was stationed at Fort Drum, New York, where he served in multiple units in the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). He enjoyed telling the stories of soldiers enough to remain in the field of journalism.
While pursuing his college degree, Osama began his local news career on the assignment desk at WWL. He then moved to the digital team, which was awarded the 2021 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Digital Coverage in Large Markets.
During his time at WWL, Osama covered multiple severe weather events, including hurricanes Zeta, Ida, Delta, and Laura. He also served as the station’s weekend assignment editor until his move to KSDK.
He lives in St. Charles, where he spends most of his off time with his son, Salah elDean, a student in the Francis Howell School District.
If you have a story idea, you can contact Osama by email at oayyad@ksdk.com.
