Franque Thompson

I am incredibly honored to be a member of the FOX 13 News team, working alongside some of the most elite journalists in the United States. I joined the team as a reporter in August 2019.

Growing up, I was a very shy girl with extremely low self-esteem. I thought I would never see the day when I could turn on a television and see myself on the screen.

Instead of hiding in the shadows, I took a chance on faith and stepped into the light. I won my first beauty pageant at the age of 16, and from then on, I began to see my potential. Taking that chance was the hardest, but most rewarding decision I have ever made. The adrenaline of pageantry and on-stage presentation jump-started my interest in journalism.

I am a proud alum of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. However, the road to the start of my career was not easy. I was rejected from job positions left and right. Just when self-doubt started to creep back into my life, I kept the faith and persevered.

With patience, I was blessed with the opportunity to start my career in my hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, as a multimedia journalist at KPTM FOX42 News. After that, I was a multimedia journalist for KTUL Tulsa’s Channel 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, followed by a reporter position with WWMT Newschannel 3 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 

Throughout my career in news, I have earned multiple Emmy Award nominations, and have received other high honors and awards from the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists. News inspired my enthusiasm to pursue higher education. In 2023, I graduated top of my class, earning the highest honors from Eastern Washington University where I earned my Master of Science in Organizational Leadership.

I’ve had the privilege of covering stories with some of the most important and influential leaders in the U.S., including sitting presidents, vice presidents and first ladies. However, being the voice of the local community has been a passion and one of my greatest honors. I look forward to the many adventures my career takes me.