Wayne Jackson started his television career in Wilmington in 1954 as the host of a 90-minute talk show called "Relax with Jax" on WMFD (later changed to WECT in 1958). Jackson took on many roles during his 30 years with the station, reporting on the news, weather, and sports, as well as hosting talk-shows and managing behind-the-scenes activities including programming, public relations, and general administration.

Jackson was particularly influential in sports broadcasting in the area. During his career he interviewed legendary athletes including Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, Althea Gibson, Joe Louis, Sonny Jurgenson, and Roman Gabriel. He was also involved in televising local sports including high school football and basketball, college basketball, and military boxing championships. He later became the game analyst for UNC Wilmington's Seahawks Broadcast team, a position he held for nearly 14 years.

Jackson's involvement with University goes beyond broadcasting games. He was a founding board member of the UNCW Student Aid Association (known as the Seahawk Club) and assisted in forming the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute's Adult Scholars Leadership Program.