LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Longtime WDRB photojournalist Eric Edwards is calling it a career.

After 40 years in newsrooms and more than 34 of those at WDRB, Eric is ready to put down the camera, play golf and destroy his alarm clock. You may not know his face, but you have definitely seen his work.

Eric was one the first hires for the WDRB startup in February 1990. He came to Louisville from Evansville to help start a nightly newscast and begin shaping what would become the news operation we have today.

It's no easy feat to be a news photographer. There are the technical aspects with cameras, microphones and live trucks, plus they are called out to deal with breaking news at all times of the day and night in all types of weather.

Waking up with Keith Kaiser

Eric leaves his position as news operation manager after many years working with the personalities on WDRB Mornings. His main job has been shooting feature stories and going out with Keith Kaiser each morning in search of the lighter side of news.

Each time Keith pulled off a stunt in the past 17 years, it has been Eric behind the camera. There were a few times he stepped into the shot to throw snowballs at Keith or to do a little "manscaping," but, mostly, he was behind the camera. There were milestones along the way. He and Keith were the first in Louisville to do a live shot from a hot air balloon, and the two have traveled across the region. Those early wakeup calls can be tough, but he does admit it has been a lot of fun.

"Keith and I were covering the school bus races at the Speedrome in Clarksville," Eric said. "This was before the days of GoPro cameras. Keith wanted to show him driving, so I sat on the hood, wrapped my legs around the window frame and said 'Let's go.' I still can't believe we did it, and Keith didn't throw me off the hood."

Over the years, the relationship between Keith and Eric has become something both of them hold dear. Keith is usually the resident jokester but he was very emotional speaking about Eric at a station retirement celebration. 

"It's been an honor to work with Eric over the past 17 years," he said. "I started out with very little experience, but he was patient and encouraging. Now after all that time, it's like we are an old married couple.

"We have share a lot over the years and created some lasting memories for the viewers and for ourselves. I wouldn't have wanted to go on this journey with anyone else. Eric, thank you for the guidance and the support. I'm proud to call you my friend."

Through every live shot and stunt, Eric has been the man capturing the action while Keith tried gymnastics or pole dancing and everything in between. But Eric said there was one annual event that he loved to shoot.

"Mascot Bowl is my absolute favorite every year," he said. "I am not sure how I have been able to keep things framed up laughing so hard myself. It was good and it is still funny every year. I plan on attending next year to see what I missed over the last 16 years."

IMAGES | WDRB photojournalist Eric Edwards and Keith Kaiser spent 17 years as partners

Happy trails from Bernson's Corner

Eric spent a lot of time with retired WDRB Mornings anchor Barry Bernson.

"It's hard to believe it was more than 20 years ago that Eric and I started working together (Eight years of sleep deprivation takes a toll on one's memory.)," Bernson said. "But, almost daily, after the morning show faded to black, it was Double Es and Double Bs out on the road to commit journalism."

Barry and Eric collaborated on many segments of "Bernson's Corner," where they would seek out "finding ordinary people doing extraordinary things," Bernson said. With Barry's words and Eric's video ,the two won an Emmy award from the Ohio Valley chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

"The great thing about Eric's video: You don't notice it. Nothing fancy. It doesn't shout 'LOOK AT MEEEE!' Doesn't call attention to every shot or edit. His style has always been 'no style.' Let the action tell the story," Bernson said. "And that's what always made him a joy to work with. In our eight years of riding around Kentucky and Indiana, I don't remember ever having a harsh word with Double Es. The words that come to mind are 'solid,' 'dependable' and 'dedication to excellence.' I couldn't have asked for a better reporting companion."

'Brains behind the camera'

WDRB Mornings anchor Sterling Riggs collaborated with Eric on a series of stories called "Swapping Gigs with Sterling Riggs." 

"We swapped jobs with garbage men, ballet dancers, made saddle cloths for horses, worked as cooks at White Castle, made bourbon balls and even took batting practice with the Louisville Bats," Sterling said. "He always made me laugh when he would say, 'Riggs, I can't believe you got us into this.' But, by his smile, I knew he was having a good time."

"We got to do some great stories together, but what I cherish most is our conversations about family, life, his time in the TV businesses and his love for the Chicago Cubs."

Great friends and hugs

Over the years, Eric has worked with a lot of former WDRB reporters and anchors, including Susan Sweeney Crum, who was amazed he has stayed on the job so long.

"Who would have thought when we started working together when WDRB News was brand new on the air all those — what, 48 years ago — that you would have been there all this time, and I would still have dark hair. It's a miracle," Susan joked. "It's time for you to get out and do things you love. Trust me. Retirement is a good thing."

Heather French Henry was one of the first hosts on the morning show after she ended her time as Miss America. She remembers working with Eric and can't believe he's finally retiring.

"Eric, you have been an amazing friend to me over the years," Heather said. "You give the biggest, best bear hugs in the world, and you are the original 'Big E.' Go have a great second chapter of your life."

Recording history

After nearly four decades of covering news, Eric remembers capturing video of all the U.S. presidents since Gerald Ford and a memorable trip to Richmond, Kentucky, where he was able to record Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter building a Habitat for Humanity home.

"I was the only media outlet there, and the president asked not to video him eating then asked if I wanted to join Mrs. Carter and himself for lunch," Eric said. "Lunch one on one with a former first family was really cool. I just wish I could remember what we talked about."

On 9/11, Eric remembers covering the United Way kickoff before the disaster happened.

"I went to the breakfast at the Galt House, strung cable for a live shot, and, when it was over, there was a car parked on the cable. I could not pack up until the car moved," Eric said. "I went back to the live truck and turned the TV on just as the second plane hit the twin towers. So many stories were to follow but so helpless and nothing to shoot at that moment. Helpless and could only watch and pray. "

A special place

So we asked Eric this week why he has stayed at WDRB News and what it has meant to him.

"I stayed here at WDRB so long because I worked for and with the best in TV," Eric said. "We are a weird family type, and I love each one of my co-workers as if they were my true family. I had bosses that cared about my well-being and not just if I met the next deadline. I knew from the day I started this was a special place and special things were happening.

"Not often does someone get to start a new newsroom, and I wanted to see where it was going. We went from no viewers to No. 1. I also fell in love with Louisville and all the people I met over the years. It is a great city and one I am happy to have raised my kids in. I also knew the grass isn't greener somewhere else. For me, Louisville is home and WDRB brought me here and kept me here."

All of us at WDRB are glad you stayed, Eric. We hope you get to spend time with your wife, Michelle, your children and that new grandson, Hunter, that you obviously adore. Mostly, we hope you get to sleep late and play golf as much as you can fit in between tasks on your "Honey do" list! Happy retirement!

Related Stories:

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.