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 makeup at 3:30 in the morning. That's when we'd 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.
Eric's Stories
Glass Fire: Drive down Highway 29 shows damage to historic Napa County wineries
Just like you've probably done if you've visited any of the famous Napa Valley wineries, we took a drive down Highway 29 and Silverado Trail in Napa County. Here's what we found.
Oakland City Council task force aims to cut police department's budget 'to invest in community'
How would reducing the police budget in Oakland affect the city's crime?
Black parent describes having 'the talk' with kids about police brutality, race in America
"What happened to George Floyd at the hands of police rocks you to your core." Autumn McDonald describes the tough talk Black parents are faced with when talking to their kids about race, police brutality and social justice in America.
Janitors risk health on front lines of COVID-19 pandemic: 'We're saving lives every day'
Besides medical workers, no group may be more at risk than the people charged with killing germs: janitors.
North Bay firefighters close to containing LNU Lightning Complex Fire, but wary of hot weather this weekend
"These next 12 to 24 hours is very crucial for us to get in there and get as much work as we can done" said CAL FIRE Capt. Jesse Gomez.
In Washington D.C., Oakland, demonstrators reflect on iconic Poor People's March on Washington amid national unrest
"It scares me," said Amin in Oakland. "I'm scared. I have two kids and I'm scared for them, because I don't know what's going to happen to them."
'Thank goodness that we're fighting': Former NBA, NFL players praise leagues' response to Jacob Blake shooting
Bill Cartwright, the former University of San Francisco and NBA star, says professional sports has never seen anything like this before.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District offers tips to stay safe amid smoky air conditions
What's the best way to protect yourself from wildfire smoke? A spokesperson with the BAAQMD says the first step is to remain indoors.
California wildfires: Here's when you should plan to evacuate
When is evacuating the fire zone is a suggestion and when do you need to flee immediately? First responders explain the difference and have tips on you can help them with their firefight before you leave.
Travis Air Force base lifts evacuation order after earlier response to LNU Lightning Complex Fire
Travis Air Force base has lifted an evacuation order after shutting down the base out of caution to the LNU Lightning Complex Fire in Solano County.
