AdminDarren Perron is an esteemed Anchor, Award-Winning Reporter, and Executive Producer at WCAX-Channel 3 News, where he has been a driving force in Vermont’s media landscape since 1995.
Throughout his illustrious career, Darren has earned numerous accolades and recognition for his exceptional journalism. He is the recipient of the National Edward R. Murrow Award, an esteemed honor in the industry, along with 11 regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, two Emmy Awards, and over a dozen Associated Press Awards.
Notably, his investigation into open-air burn pits in war zones potentially impacting veterans’ health earned him the prestigious national Edward R. Murrow Award.
Darren’s commitment to excellence and impactful storytelling has garnered him widespread acclaim. In 2009, he was the only non-network reporter in the U.S. to be nominated for a GLAAD Award.
His war reporting contributed to WCAX winning the VAB Broadcaster of the Year Award in 2010, and he was named VAB Broadcaster of the Year again in 2019. His significant contributions to journalism were also recognized with the Excellence in Journalism Award by the NLGJA.
As a seasoned journalist and anchor, Darren currently leads the Channel 3 News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., taking over from the retired longtime anchor Marselis Parsons in 2009. He also serves as an Executive Producer for the Channel 3 News at 6 p.m.
Darren’s dedication to telling impactful stories extends to various series and special reports that have earned him industry acclaim and prestigious awards. His series work, covering topics like Battle Behind Bars, On Their Own, Killer Kids, Dirty Secrets, Silent Struggle, A Soldier’s Heart, and Battle After War, exemplify his journalistic prowess.
He has also ventured into international reporting, spending two weeks in Afghanistan with Channel 3 News photographer Lance MacKenzie, embedding with the Vermont National Guard to report from the war zone. Their series called Mission Afghanistan earned them numerous awards, including an Emmy Award, a Murrow Award, Broadcaster of the Year Award, and the military’s Seven Seals Award.
Darren’s commitment to inclusive journalism is evident in his coverage of Vermont’s transgender community in the series “Becoming,” which was nominated for a GLAAD Award in 2009. He also received a national Excellence in Journalism Award from the NLGJA for his reporting on the coming out story of Vermont Electric Co-op CEO Christine Hallquist, who is transgender.
As a Vermont native hailing from the Northeast Kingdom, Darren attended Lake Region Union High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Communications from Castleton University. He was honored with induction into the Vermont State Colleges Hall of Fame in 2017.
Beyond his impressive journalistic achievements, Darren enjoys a rich personal life. He cherishes his love for music, golf, skiing, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting, local foods, and brews. His affection for family and friends is evident, given his large extended family of about 50 first cousins.
Darren currently resides in Burlington, where he continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of Vermonters through his dedicated work in journalism and storytelling. Additionally, he hosts the news program “You Can Quote Me” on Sunday mornings at 7:30, further connecting with his audience and engaging in meaningful discussions.