NBC 10's Patrice Wood inducted into RI Television Hall of Fame

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WARWICK, R.I. (WJAR) — Patrice Wood, who has been educating and entertaining NBC 10 News viewers for nearly 40 years, was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio and Television Hall of Fame on Thursday night.

Wood, surrounded by family and friends, was honored at a sold out ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. She thanked colleagues, both past and present, and also acknowledged her husband, Paul Pabis, their two children, Jonathan and Stephanie, as well as a very special person who influenced her.

“My mom, a trailblazing newspaper reporter, would have been so proud. This is her press pass,” Wood told the crowd while holding up a small, yellow card with her mother’s name, photo and credentials on it.

Wood auditioned at WJAR in 1979 at the old Outlet department store in downtown Providence. At the time, broadcasters were still using manual typewriters and film.

“Today, as all of you know, it’s much more instantaneous with social media,” she said. “But we’ve adapted pretty well haven’t we?”

Throughout the years, Wood has mastered everything that’s come her way, even Facebook and Twitter.

During her speech, she recalled a specific social media post she won’t soon forget.
“It was when comedian Robin Williams died. I knew I had to get the story out there right away so I quickly typed up the copy, attached a photo and sent it out to thousands of people on the Channel 10 Facebook page,” Wood said.

It wasn’t long before she realized something wasn't quite right.

“Minutes later, my son called from Ohio and said, ‘I saw that story you posted about Robin Williams. But Mom, did you know you attached my picture to that?’ I ran to the computer and sure enough, there was the story about Robin Williams, with a big photo of my son, lying on the couch, sleeping with our dog, Prince. On the other hand, it got 130 shares, so how bad can it be?”
Wood was among four inductees, including Walter Cryan, who worked for both WPRI and WLNE before retiring in 2007.

Kim Zandy of 92 PRO FM and Bill Haberman of WPRO were also inducted to the Class of 2019 for their service to Rhode Island Radio.

Alana Cerrone of WLNE and Tracey Lynne (McCarthy) of I HEART RADIO were recognized with the “Up and Coming” award, a newly added honor for 2019.
Longtime broadcaster Art Lake, who passed away in 2009, was also honored for being at WJAR for more than 60 years. His family accepted the Pioneer Award on his behalf, with Wood remembering him fondly.

“There was no blueprint for Art,” Wood said. “He just figured it out as he went along. And I believe that is the secret to longevity in broadcasting. Just never give up.”

Reflecting on her career, Wood said she has been fortunate to be in broadcasting. Some of her biggest interviews include Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and George Bush.

“But when I look back, it’s Tuesday’s Child that has had the most impact on me, as we work with Adoption Rhode Island and Darlene Allen to help foster children find adoptive homes,” Wood said of the weekly segment that features children and teens who need loving homes. “They inspire me with their courage. And nothing makes me happier than when they get adopted. So, that’s my team and together, and we are making a difference in the world.”

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