Why did Derrik Thomas get into the television news business?

"To have an opportunity to provide information, help and influence people," he said.

He's been doing just that since coming to RTV6 in 1979. Before joining the 6News team, Thomas was a reporter with KMSP-TV in Minneapolis, where he had the chance to interview Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter during the 1976 presidential campaigns.

"It was really neat to meet both of them," he said. Thomas also worked at WMT-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Thomas's reporting has earned him first place awards from United Press International, Sigma Delta Chi, Society of Professional Journalists and The Associated Press.

In addition to these awards, Thomas received the distinguished achievement award from the Center For Leadership Development in 1989. He also was awarded the Indianapolis Magazine Best Reporter in 1987 and the 1991 Indianapolis Star's Best Reporter in their Reader's Choice Poll.

The Chicago native graduated from MacMurray College in 1975 with a degree in English. His master's degree in journalism came from the University of Iowa in 1977.

Thomas lives in the Indianapolis area, where he likes to visit his favorite restaurant -- Shaffer's.

Want to drop Derrik a line? You can e-mail him at derrik_thomas@theindychannel.com.