New Orleans Honors Retiring WGNO Photographer

The New Orleans City Council issued a proclamation recognizing Patrick Thomas for his three decades of service at the station.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in African-American

Gouache-painted illustration of a professional broadcast camera on a tripod, symbolizing the long-serving career of a local television photographer. — New Orleans City Council honored longtime WGNO chief photographer Patrick Thomas with a proclamation marking his retirement after a thirty-year career. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

WGNO Chief Photographer Patrick Thomas retired on October 13, 2026, marking the end of a 30-year tenure at the television station. He holds the distinction of being the first Black Chief Photographer to serve in that role at the New Orleans broadcaster.

Why it matters

Thomas career highlights his role as a trailblazer in local media and his decades of commitment to capturing the stories of the New Orleans community. His retirement marks the conclusion of a significant professional chapter following his earlier work in Lafayette and military service.

Patrick Thomas served as the WGNO Chief Photographer for 30 years after being appointed to the position in 2005. He is also a grandfather to seven grandchildren.

The players

Patrick Thomas

He is a veteran journalist who served as the first Black Chief Photographer at WGNO.

New Orleans City Council

This is the legislative body of New Orleans responsible for governing city affairs and issuing official proclamations.

The details

Before his long tenure in New Orleans, Thomas worked as a cameraman at KLFY-TV 10 in Lafayette and joined KATC-TV 3 in 1993. His professional journey also included service in the United States Army between 1978 and 1981, during which he was stationed in Germany.

1978: Patrick Thomas graduated from Holy Rosary Institute.
1981: Thomas received an honorable discharge from the Army.
1996: Thomas began his career at ABC 26.
2005: Thomas was appointed WGNO Chief Photographer.
October 13, 2026: Thomas officially retired.

Culture Shift

Thomas career mirrors the slow but steady progress in the historical integration of local newsrooms. His retirement serves as a milestone in the broader evolution of diversity within the local broadcast industry.

Residents of New Orleans may recognize Thomas from his decades of coverage across the city's broadcast landscape. The city's official recognition highlights the impact a dedicated local photographer has on preserving community history.

The takeaway

Patrick Thomas career underscores the importance of long-term commitment to local news reporting. His path from military service to a trailblazing role in media serves as an example for aspiring photojournalists in the community.