Name: Tracy Johnke
Year of Graduation: 1996
Job Title: Correspondent for the MarketWatch Radio Network in Washington, DC
What you do: MarketWatch Radio has more than 200 affiliates taking our twice-an-hour business reports, and we provide customized reports to stations in the top ten markets. I am the midday business anchor on WBZ News Radio in Boston. I also do live reports at times for WTOP in Washington, WBBM in Chicago, WINS in New York, KRLD in Dallas and KCBS in San Francisco. Plus, I interview newsmakers, and write, produce and record podcasts for MarketWatch.com.
Best thing about your job: The variety! My coworkers and I try to do business news that everyone can relate to, and that means we cover pocketbook issues and frankly, anything else we’re interested in. One day I’m covering credit card fees, the next I’m talking about my favorite beers with an industry insider.
What you’re most proud of: I still get a thrill every time I hear myself on a major market radio station. Not bad for a farm girl from Winnett, Montana.
Best memory of UM: I formed wonderful friendships during my time there, and I met my husband!
Best memory of the J-School or RTV Department: The all-nighters in the TV editing room in the PAR-TV building seemed like a waking nightmare at the time, but we had so much fun when we weren’t pulling our hair out. And how many undergrads are on a first-name basis with their professors? Not many.
Advice you have for current students: When I was in college, I thought I’d end up pulling the strings behind the scenes as a producer or editor. I never imagined I’d be the “talent” someday. And I never thought I’d end up doing business news – and loving it. When you have an opportunity to leave your comfort zone, take a deep breath, and take the plunge.
Anything else you’d like to add: About the photo – The time on the clock behind me in the picture? That’s a.m., not p.m. We all have to pitch in on the night shift from time to time. We cover the financial markets, and that’s a 24-hour job.
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