Robert Townsend is a general assignment reporter at 5 On Your Side in St. Louis, Missouri.
An Emmy and Regional Murrow award-winning journalist, Robert has years of news reporting experience. He joined the 5 On Your Side team in October 2019.
Robert is a native of St. Louis and is glad to be a storyteller in his home city. He has reported at other television stations in Wichita Falls, Texas; South Bend, Indiana; Tampa; Atlanta; Kansas City; and a prior stint at another station in St. Louis.
When Robert was a teenager at Northwest High School, he was editor-in-chief of his school’s newspaper, and a Minority Journalism Workshop student. He won the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists scholarship and went on to also win the National Association of Black Journalists scholarship.
Robert has earned various professional accolades, including a 2022 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Breaking News Coverage, a 2022 Missouri Broadcasters Award for Breaking News Coverage, and a 2022 Excellence in Communication Award of Merit from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.
He’s a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Mid-America Chapter, and the National Association of Black Journalists. He was also featured in the 2004-2005 Who’s Who in Black St. Louis First Edition.
Robert is a foodie and enjoys traveling, reading, exploring new adventures, spending time with his family, and mentoring students. He’s an ordained Elder and a huge dog lover. Just ask his goldendoodle, Rocket!
You can contact Robert at rtownsend@ksdk.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
