[5] At People Wakeford created and executive produced the crime documentary series People Magazine Investigates on ID[6] and Discovery+ and two prime time four-hour documentaries on the royals for ABC: The Story of Diana and The Story of The Royals.
[14] Wakeford broke exclusive news stories during his time at People, including interviews with Linda Evangelista about her cosmetic procedure lawsuit,[15] Vanessa Bryant in her only interview after death of her husband Kobe and daughter Gigi,[16] and the world exclusive first look at Friends: The Reunion.
[17] He oversaw interviews with notable figures, including Prince William on his Earthshot initiative,[18] President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden's first interview post-inauguration[19] and George Clooney on his humanitarian work.
[20] During his time at People magazine, Wakeford launched programs to encourage COVID vaccinations,[21] and celebrate Companies That Care.
[23] Under his stewardship, People magazine won the 2021 Folio Eddie and Ozzie Award for the best Consumer, Lifestyle magazine issue,[24] the 2021 GLAADD Award for Outstanding Magazine Overall Coverage,[25] and Adweek's 2020 Hot List, celebrating the best in TV, Publishing, Digital and Brands,[26] and the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services 2020 Erasing The Stigma Award for the mental health initiative Let’s Talk About It.