Eric Wilson didn’t always want to be a news anchor. In fact Eric had an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy but turned it down when he learned that, without 20/20 vision, he couldn’t be a military pilot. His career course began to change when during high school he appeared as a contestant on the game show Wheel of Fortune and got a look at TV behind the scenes. The broadcasting seed was planted.
Eric graduated from Lewis University (where he originally studied to be a pilot) with a double major in Radio/TV Broadcasting and Theater. Eric started his career with stints as an intern at Entertainment Tonight in Los Angeles and in the weather department at WGN-TV in Chicago, learning from Tom Skilling. He spent time as a fill-in weatherman at WOWO-AM radio and WKJG-TV, both in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, before landing a job at WZOK-FM in Rockford. While at 97ZOK Eric began doing weather at the NBC affiliate in Rockford, eventually leaving radio for a full-time job at that Rockford television station. He spent nearly 20 years there, more than 15 as the main anchor.
In his free time Eric continues to fuel his passion for the theater by participating in shows at both Studio and Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College. He also competes in sprint distance triathlons, has run dozens of 5ks and 10ks, and has finished 3 marathons – two in one year.
Eric did not completely abandon his dreams of flying. In 2003 he became a certificated pilot and likes to take short trips with his family. His favorite was a surprise flight for his wife to see Cheap Trick and Aerosmith. He’s excited to share his love for aviation with anyone who will listen. He’s also a licensed real estate agent.
A Rockford transplant, Eric is originally from the Chicago suburbs where he grew up, but has lived in Rockford more than 20 years, so this is home now. He met his wife, Marla here in Rockford. They have one daughter, Allison.
