WTTG-TV, FOX 5 NEWS cameraman has long history of service to the WHNPA and profession (download)
(WASHINGTON, D.C. – Feb. 10, 2014) – The White House News Photographers Association announced that they will present Doug Wilkes of WTTG – Fox 5 News with the association’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 ‘Eyes of History™’ annual awards gala Saturday, May 10, 2014, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC.
Wilkes began his television career as a reporter for WSEE-TV in Erie, Pa, where he interned in college. At the time, there were no photographers, so reporters shot and edited each other’s stories. Doug then moved Buffalo, N.Y., at WGR-TV as a photographer/editor. In 1983 he moved to Washington as a photojournalist for WTTG Fox 5 News and has been extensively covering assignments in Washington and beyond. Wilkes has been to the Middle East three times to cover the ongoing conflict and to Haiti to cover Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s return and in the U.S., up and down the coast to cover countless hurricanes. “The most intense story I’ve covered is the sniper shootings in Washington. It frightened everyone in the area including the news people covering it,” said Wilkes.
“The most enjoyable part of my work is hanging-out with the crews from all the stations,” said Wilkes as he talked about the award. “The way we all get along in DC is remarkable. The most rewarding stories I cover are the ones that feature people you may never have heard of were it not for our coverage of their unique skills or generosity. It makes me a little less cynical about the world we live in.”
Wilkes has been honored with numerous awards for shooting, lighting, editing and producing, including the local Emmys, the Edward R. Murrow Award, The Associated Press Chesapeake Region and the White House News Photographers Association. Wilkes is a four-time recipient of the prestigious WHNPA Video Photographer of the Year award. These awards came in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1998. He is also the current vice president of the WHNPA, the co-chair of the WHNPA Video contest committee and is active in the association’s mentoring programs.
Patrick Paolini, WTTG-WDCA Vice President & General Manager, said, “FOX 5 is incredibly proud of Doug to be named the 2014 recipient of the WHNPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Doug is a consummate professional, a creative photojournalist, and above all, a fantastic storyteller. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have him on our staff for more than 30 years.”
Ron Sachs, WHNPA president, commented about the award, “Doug’s professional accomplishments are extraordinary. His long-standing commitment to the WHNPA and its many programs are remarkable. This is truly a well-deserved honor.”
