Eric Thomas | ABC7 KGO News Team

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be one of only four reporters chosen to question The President of the United States at a gathering of hundreds of journalists, or fly in both Air Force and Navy fighter jets, or fly to South Korea in pursuit of a story. But, in my years at ABC7, I've been able to do all those things and much more.

I grew up in the Midwest, with dreams of becoming an engineer and pilot. But, I got my first taste of broadcasting in high school at our ten watt radio station and from then on I was hooked. In college I worked at two different radio stations doing everything from turning on the transmitter Sunday mornings, to spinning records, writing news and even reading the obituaries on air. That latter job may sound macabre, but the switchboard would light up if we didn't do them, or if we mispronounced a name. After college, I got a job writing radio news at the princely sum of $4.50 per hour. It was a great experience. I learned how to write breaking news and long form stories that looked into the deeper issues of crime and poverty, and sports versus education. I worked with some of the best broadcasters in the business and picked their brains for every bit of information about our industry. Fortunately, they were more than willing to help and I can't thank them enough.

In 1989 I took my first TV job in St. Louis working midnight to 6 a.m., doing 30 second live news cut-ins at the top of every hour. It wasn't glamorous, but it got my foot in the door. After six months of volunteering to go out on every story, and do every interview, and generally making a pest of myself, I was hired full-time; undoubtedly just to shut me up.

In 1994, I joined ABC7, and it has been a dream come true. My family simply loves the Bay Area and I love working with the professionals that make ABC7, one of America's best sources of news and information; and believe me only professionals should see each other without make-up at 3:30 in the morning. That's when we arrive to prepare for the ABC7 Morning News. The newscast is as fresh and fun now as it was when I joined the program in 1996.

BTW, when I'm not on the air I'm probably buried in some history book or out throwing a football around with my kids.

I enjoy reading your comments, almost as much as I enjoy a good book. Find me on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter.

Eric Thomas is a reporter and weekend anchor for ABC7 News. He also reports on aviation and the military.

ARCHIVES

Oakland Coliseum Authority okays deal to keep Raiders in town for at least one more season

The Oakland Coliseum Authority approved an agreement to keep the Raiders in Oakland for at least one and possibly two more seasons. The vote was unanimous.

BART to replace busted escalators at downtown San Francisco stations

If you've ever had a problem on a BART escalator. You're not alone. Here's what BART plans to do.

'It's deeply moral to me': Gov. Gavin Newsom talks to ABC7 about decision to sign execution moratorium in California

San Quentin's death chamber is no more. Gov. Gavin Newsom explains his moral choice to ABC7.

Free dental clinic in Vallejo will help hundreds who can't afford care

Need free dental work? Here's where you can get help.

Tax critics calling for pension reform after retired state worker gets $400,000 for unused vacation

Taxpayer advocates are blasting the state pension system for letting employees bank years of unused vacation time and cash out with a six figure check when they retire.