
Melanie Alnwick
The question I am asked most frequently is, "How do you do it?!" Usually, this happens after I tell someone that I get up for work every day at 2 a.m.
The answer is simple: I do it because it makes sense for my family. I've done just about every assignment there is here at FOX 5 -- nightside reporter, investigative reporter, money and consumer reporter, anchor-- and when the opportunity came around to do the early morning shift, I took it.
Now I am able to continue a career that I love, and be home in the afternoons to do my second job as a mom and household executive. I started my first newspaper when I was 8. OK, it was just a handwritten rag on notebook paper, complete with my own illustrations of neighborhood happenings -- but I clearly had the bug.
I've always been the kid with a million questions. My parents get huge credit for teaching me not to be afraid to ask. I was encouraged to pick up the phone and call someone if I wanted information.
As an Air Force family, we also moved around a lot. Seeing so many different cultures helped expand my vision of the world. I still remember the Buddhist kids I knew in Thailand who wouldn't allow their photographs to be taken. They believed it would steal their soul. I keep that memory with me every day when I interview people on camera. I firmly believe that we, as journalists, are being entrusted with their persona and it’s our duty to present them accurately and fairly.
I studied at the University of Florida and James Madison University. My first job in TV was the news director's secretary at WUSA-9 here in DC. It may have been a minor role, but it was invaluable. I got so much inside knowledge of how a TV station works and was able to learn from journalists who were at the top of their game.
Did I mention I've done weather also? That was my first on-air job in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I still know my way around an NWS forecast map! :)
At NBC-17 in Raleigh, North Carolina, I learned how to shoot a gun, found out what a hog waste lagoon is, and got to witness one of the last live tobacco auctions in the state. I also engineered a fantastic trip with the U.S. Air Force to Bosnia, Albania, Germany and Italy during the Kosovo conflict -- and had the privilege of flying in the cockpit of a C-17 across the Atlantic.
Coming back to DC to work for FOX 5 was an honor. I'd have to say my proudest moment was winning a National Emmy for my series of investigative reports on Spring Valley. After the dinner, Jane Pauley came up to me and said, "Great dress... and an even better speech!" I don't ask for a lot of affirmation in this business, but that little exchange made me feel as if I'd finally taken a seat at the Journalists' Table.
I volunteer at local hospitals with Musicians on Call, and I also teach art history to elementary school students. It’s such a treat when I meet viewers who are also early risers: baristas, delivery guys, police officers, mad joggers... there is a whole different city out there in the wee hours of the morning.
I tell my kids I'm lucky to be able to take in the sunrise every day. So if you're an early riser, please join us every day starting at 4 a.m… we're up, too!
The latest from Melanie Alnwick
Cleanup underway after flash floods, storms strand drivers, damage roads in DC region
Severe storms swept through the D.C. region Monday afternoon, triggering flash flooding and dangerous conditions for drivers across Virginia, Maryland and the District.
DC to enforce youth curfew zone Friday in U Street corridor
D.C. is implementing a juvenile curfew zone this weekend in the U Street corridor to curb crime in the area.
Montgomery County to review overhaul of grading policies
A major shift is coming to how Montgomery County students are graded, as the County Council’s Education Committee meets on Thursday to review new policies affecting retakes, late work, and final grade calculations.
Trayon White celebrates with supporters after projected to win back Ward 8 seat
Former D.C. Councilmember Trayon White is projected to reclaim his Ward 8 seat in the special election despite an ongoing federal bribery case stemming from his arrest in an FBI sting operation.
DC police enforce expanded juvenile curfew in Navy Yard
A new juvenile curfew zone took effect over the weekend in the Navy Yard neighborhood, marking the city’s first targeted curfew expansion in response to ongoing safety concerns.
Who was Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, Congressional intern killed in DC shooting?
A 21-year-old congressional intern for Kansas Representative Ron Estes was killed, and two others were wounded in a shooting Monday night near the Mount Vernon Square Metro station in Northwest D.C., police said.
Another round of severe storms pounds DC region
Severe storms ripped across the D.C. region on Tuesday, downing trees, damaging property, and knocking out power to thousands in what’s become a familiar summer pattern.
RFK Stadium deal in limbo as DC Council seeks more time
Plans to bring the Washington Commanders back to the District are in limbo, as D.C. Council members signal they won’t meet the team and mayor’s timeline to finalize a stadium deal within weeks.
DC region braces for record travel over July 4th holiday weekend
A record number of Americans, including many in the D.C. region, are expected to travel for the Independence Day weekend, as the Transportation Security Administration and AAA brace for one of the busiest stretches of the summer.
Severe storms leave trail of damage across DC region
Severe weather moved through the D.C. area Thursday evening, leaving a wake of downed trees and wires Friday morning.