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
DC crime: 11 shot, 2 dead in less than 24 hours
A surge in gun violence has left two people dead and nine others injured in less than 24 hours in Washington, D.C., and police are investigating to see if any of those shooting are connected.
Netanyahu in DC live updates: Thousands protest in DC during Israeli leader's address
Police deployed pepper spray as protesters marched toward the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, where Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is speaking amid calls for cease-fire that would end the war & free remaining hostages.
Netanyahu in DC: Street closures, parking restrictions, detours
The arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu touched off increased security, street closures, parking restrictions, and protests in the nation’s capital on Wednesday.
Netanyahu’s DC visit comes with street closures, detours, and protests
Street closures and parking restrictions are in place this week in the nation’s capital as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits to make a speech before a joint meeting of Congress.
1 killed in District Heights triple shooting
One person was shot and killed and two were wounded after gunfire erupted in a Prince George's County neighborhood, police said.
2 dead, child hurt in Largo apartment fire
Authorities say a man and a woman were killed, and a child was hurt after an early morning two-alarm apartment fire in Prince George’s County.
DC barbershop owner accused of raping teens while posing as college student due in court
A Washington, D.C, barbershop owner accused of raping incapacitated teenagers in Prince George’s County while posing as a college student is due in court Thursday.
Fireworks accidentally ignite massive DC apartment fire that displaced 76 residents
Officials say fireworks accidentally ignited a massive apartment fire in Washington, D.C. that injured a firefighter and left dozens of residents without a home.
Motorcyclist killed in crash in Montgomery County
A motorcyclist was killed in an early morning crash along Columbia Pike in Montgomery County.
DC shootings: Violence erupts leaving 2 dead, several others wounded
Violence erupted in the District beginning Friday and going through the weekend were two people have been killed and several others have been injured.