A North Carolina native, Philip Jones joined WFMY News 2 in November 2009. He is currently a General Assignment Reporter and has made appearances as a Weekend Anchor on the Good Morning Show.
Philip came to the Triad from North Carolina's Crystal Coast, where he worked at WNCT-TV for more than three years as a bureau reporter in Morehead City and Jacksonville.
Philip was born and raised in Wilson and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He's a die-hard Tar Heel who's hooked on barbecue, sweet tea, NASCAR and all things North Carolina. Additionally, Philip is a decorated journalist and has won multiple awards for his investigative work and breaking news reporting. Most recently, he earned top honors from both the North Carolina Associated Press and Media General for his coverage of a fire that destroyed millions of dollars worth of condos in Indian Beach and an AV-8B Harrier crash in Craven County that killed a Marine Corps pilot based at Cherry Point.
Philip has extensive experience covering the military, tropical storms and even ACC basketball. The literal "high point" of his career came during a ride with the Navy's Blue Angels in 2008 - and he's excited about getting the answers and telling the stories here in the Piedmont that matter most to you.
Q&A with Philip Jones
If you weren't in television news, what would you do for a living?
I'd probably be a newspaper reporter. I got my start in newspapers at The Wilson Daily Times and I'm passionate about writing. So I'd have to find some way to put my love of writing and journalism to work. I had an opportunity to cover a lot of sports while working for newspapers and magazines over the years, so I could easily see myself pursuing a career as a college sports or auto racing reporter. I also would love to embed with a military unit somewhere in the Middle East. I believe it's important to highlight the hard work our armed forces are doing both here at home and overseas.
What is your favorite food?
I love Mexican food! I could eat it every day of the week. But perhaps the most exotic (and even delicious!) thing I've ever eaten is salt water crocodile during a trip to Australia.
What are your hobbies?
I love to travel and have been fortunate enough to visit some amazing places around the world. I'm always up for an adventure -- and thoroughly enjoy camping and spending time in both the Blue Ridge Mountains and along North Carolina's coast. I also enjoy hanging out with good friends, being outside and I'm an avid NASCAR and Formula 1 fan..
Describe your most embarrassing moment?
As far as TV goes, my most embarrassing moment probably came during my very first live shot with WNCT. I was covering a controversial murder trial and managed to get through the deadline pressures and worries over nailing my first-ever live shot -- only to realize after it was done that my fly had been unzipped the whole time!
Where is your favorite place to visit?
Australia was, by far, the most incredible place I've been able to visit. A trip through the mountains in Canada was also breathtaking - and New York City is one of the coolest places I've ever seen. I love Carteret County here in North Carolina. But I spent a summer in college living in Lake Tahoe - and that could very well be my favorite place to visit. I can't wait to get back there again.