Don’t think about the snow today! Instead, focus on today’s @MNMOmag Twitterview with @vsawkar.

@vsawkar’s last day at @KSTP was this week, and so we want to catch up with her and reflect on the past as well as look forward.

A brief synopsis of your time at @KSTP. When did you start and what responsibilities did you have during your time there?

Vineeta:    Aug 95. Wknd reporter then wknd anchor then fill-in wkday anchor then AM/midday anchor. Little of everything!

How much has the news industry changed in that time? Beyond just going to HD. :)

Vineeta:    So much change! Love social media & how it helps news gathering. Quick way to get news out as well

What have been some of your favorite stories to cover in nearly 18yrs at @KSTP?

Vineeta:    We featured a severely mentally impaired girl who had the ability to sing like Whitney Houston and play music well.

I enjoyed Presidential visits as reporter. Clinton and Bush. I liked covering political stories.

I really liked covering education beat and reporting on what was going on in schools.

Having a long history with the station, what was it like for you when you knew that your time there was ending?

Vineeta:    Sad to see it end & say goodbye to dear friends but excited for the next step. So many interesting opportunities.

On AM shift, you work so closely with anchors and crew. Will miss those great people. They are great group!

I try to focus on positive. I get to sleep in! YAY! I get to tackle a new challenge and learn something new.

I am excited to use the skills I learned in 23 yrs of TV, in a diff way. Maybe to help another organization…

 Sleep is always a plus! :) With your years of experience, what kinds of opportunities are you looking at: PR, radio, Tv?

Vineeta:    All of the above! LOL. I have several options I am considering and groups that are considering me.

Whatever option pans out, I look frwrd to learning and also bringing my experience to the job.

So grateful to all the people who had lunches/coffees with me this past yr. I got some great advice!

Strange when employer doesn’t want you any more but I like to look ahead to next employer who will be happy 2 have me.

Are you wanting to stay in MN, or are you open to out of state work as well?

Vineeta:    Anyone who knows me knows I will never leave #StPaul. I love this city so much. We love raising our kids here.

I have lived in Twin Cities longer than anywhere else. (Grew up in Kansas City) This is home. We are so happy here!

MN is a good place to raise a family! :)  What kinds of things are you hoping to accomplish with your time off now?

Vineeta:    Reflecting. Meeting friends. Learning how to play hockey. Organizing our house. Running. Staying up late!

I look frwd to not being so tired. Big change for me. Usually go on 5 hrs sleep. It has been tough.

I don’t want to complain though. Those early AM hour allowed me to be there for kids in afternoon

Now that kids are getting older, games/performances are later. I want to stay up and enjoy them!

I am going to take some time to enjoy my family/friends and figure out my life. Not many have been at job for 18 yrs.

I just know that when time is right, my next step will be very clear to me

Lots of options! @MNMOmag for May has a section on neighborhoods -  http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/May-2013/12-Great-Neighborhoods/ Might you do some exploring?

Vineeta:    Love that idea. We really need to take our kids out of #StPaul more often!

As a seasoned journalist, what advice would you give to HS & college students interested in that field?

Vineeta:    Diversify. Major in journalism but take business classes, too. So important.

Learn latest technology and be ready to report in many diff ways. That is beauty of TV journalism now.

I am excited for future of journalism with use of social media, technology, etc. So many ways to get info.

I would tell them to be persistent and don’t let a rejection get you down. Keep trying for that first job.

Joel:    On behalf of MN TV viewers, THANK YOU for all of your hard work these past 18 years! You’ve made it good!

Vineeta:    Truly appreciate that and also all the kind emails, tweets and Facebook msgs.I am overwhelmed by all the sweet msgs.

Minnesotans are so wonderful. They let me into their homes for 18 yrs and I am sad to say goodbye.

Wish I could personally thank everyone who took time to call,write. It makes me teary to think people care that much.

Joel:    Thank you for your time Tweeting with me today for #MNMOtv. We look forward to seeing where your #NextStep takes you!

Vineeta:    Thanks for this opportunity! I better run. Enjoy the snow!!

Thanks so much! I promise to let you know when I decide!

Interview conducted on May 3,2013.

Good morning everyone! It’s snowing in MN, but lets focus on what’s new with @ShayneWellsMSP of @BUZN1029.

Good morning! :) So share us a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get into radio?

Shayne:    Morning! Well more like afternoon when you get up at 4am! I’m a Washington St. native. Came to MN from CA in 2010.

Moved to MN 4 a job as an entertainment reporter at KARE 11. Switched 2 radio, @buzn1029 last May where I do mornings

What made you get into TV/radio, and what’s been the biggest adjustments for you between the 2?

Shayne:    As a kid I was giving weather forecasts 2 my fam. TV news was a passion. As I looked to try a new industry radio..

radio, seemed like the perfect fit. Still broadcasting, lots of fun, interviews, and I love music, always have.

Good to know your passions and have fun on the job! Where does MSP rank for country music markets?

Shayne:    not sure honestly. We’re a good sized city with a ton of country music lovers & we draw the biggest artists & sell out.

Who are some of your favorite country artists, and what are some places you’d recommend fans check out in the TC’s?

That is, places that offer the country music vibe.

Shayne:    I have a ton of faves, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, The Civil Wars, Lady A.

the casinos around here get in some great artists! Plus, you can make a day trip out of it. Win Win.

Any good places you’d recommend for good hats or boots for fans or country music? When’s the next big concert?

Shayne:    RCC Western at the MOA has a lot of options. Also, Cowgirl Tuff at Ridgedale mall.

On your free time, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing? Do you have any favorite restaurants after 3yrs in MN?

Shayne:    I love running, reading and going out to drink and/or eat w/friends. I love the Lowry, Broders, Oceanaire, Brasa, BLG

Joel:    Thanks for you time today on #MNMOtv! Keep up the good work and positive spirit! :)

[Interview conducted on Wed Feb 6,2013]

Good morning everyone! Hopefully you are warm and inside. :) Today’s #MNMOtv guest is @KimInsley of @KARE11. Lets get started!

Kim:    Good morning!

You’ve probably been awake for a few hours already. Do you ever get used to do doing the morning news?

Kim:     You never get used to 1:45am. You just deal with it. (We all do when the alarm goes off, yes?)

I will say, the am news is the most fun– in the sense there is more freedom in a 2hr time frame than 30 min.

That’s true! To get to know you a little better, where did you grow up and what moved you to get into the news business?

Kim:    Grew up in Ashland, OR. Wonderful little town, beautiful area. College town and a theatre town. It is my roots.

I wanted to witness current events. Graduated in journalism – newspaper jobs were scarce, so I turned to TV

It’s been a great opportunity to satisfy my curiosity. I get to witness incredible things.

I bet you do! What areas of the country have you worked in and what’s one of your favorite stories that you’ve covered?

Kim:    Santa Barbara, CA, Portland, OR, Sacramento, CA and the beautiful state of Minnesota!

Fav stories are quirky. One was the 1989 SFO earthquake. Met an elderly woman w/ a 6ft crevice opened near her house

..her big concern was the squirrels had been injured. I like stories where you meet incredible folks of all stripes.

Real people stories off the beaten pat. Those are interesting. When did you come to @KARE11, and what roles have you had?

Kim:    1993 – so it’s been awhile. Job title has never changed. No resume padding for me! Duties have changed w/the business.

The web and social networking are now key to communicating w/”viewers”. We have new ways to move info.

It requires constant training in new tech. and also smart ways to do that. We have so many diff ways to tell a story

Getting info on air: iPhone pics and vid, Skype, Apple TV, Facetime, FTP. The days of driving video to station are gone.

How has the experience of interacting with viewers via social media been going for you? Have you made any friends?

Kim:    Actually, yes. One person has been an inspiration in fitness. Others have become resources for news and community

I don’t go meet folks for coffee, as you have to realized social networking is vast w/people who have many motives.

I need to set a good example for my kids! Still, social networking HUGE in responding to people, connecting

Gone are the days of the deadline being your airtime. The deadline now is as soon as you can confirm the information

With the time that you work, you have a unique schedule. What kinds of things do you like doing when you have time off?

Kim:    Downtime? Not w/kids! I do enjoy whatever workout time I can get. Lately reading by the fireplace. Cooking for sure!

I would love to travel more. I love taking my kids places we’ve never seen.

What are you currently reading, and what kinds of books do interest you? Have you heard of http://www.goodreads.com/?

Kim:    I just finished “Code Verity” — great spy novel in WWII era. Unpredictable. I have too many unfinished books!

Haven’t used http://goodreads.com  Will try! I liked “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. Also “Under The Tuscan Sun Cookbook”

Have you read “The Swerve: How the World Became Modern” – I love history that takes a deeper look. Another perspective.

I haven’t. You mentioned that you liked to cook. What are your specialties, and where do you like to go when you eat out?

Kim:    Love making soup and pastas. I have a good rigatoni with italian sausage. I’m a Pinterest nut. Great things to try!

Places to eat– haven’t hit the new, hip places in the cities. I know. Sad me. We usually take the family out ..

so visits to Biaggi’s , Spasso. Splurge at Pittsburgh Blue. Will always love Broder’s in SW Mpls.

Joel:    You like your pastas. :) The time went by too quick today, but that’s for being a part of #MNMOtv and sharing some of your life!

Kim:    You are very welcome! Thank you and have a great day!

Chris Stanford is a reporter and anchor for WCCO-TV in the Minneapolis/St. Paul television market. Chris primarily covers stories relating to consumer products, but he also covers the latest current news going on in the community.

How and why did Chris get interested in working in the news business?  Any interesting stories that stand out to him in his career?  When he’s not working, what kinds of things does Chris enjoy doing?  If he wasn’t cover the news or consumer products, what would he be doing? Get to know Chris from this 3-part interview with him.

In Part 1 of his interview, he shares what he first wanted to be when he grew up, how he got interested in journalism and reporting the news. Learn also where he got started in the news business.

In Part 2 of Chris Stanford’s interview, he talks about his start as a journalist in Wisconsin. He then talks about coming to WCCO and discusses the kinds of story ideas he’s sent from businesses and PR firms to cover.  He shares one company’s interesting subject line in an email that was for a new kind of bathroom product.

In the Part 3 of the Chris Stanford interview, he talks about his favorite sport, favorite thing to do when he has free-time, his perfect meal and what goal he has for himself.

Hello @Natalie_Kane and to everyone following #MNMOtv today. Welcome! Lets get things rolling and find out what’s new with Natalie.

First things first. Is there some special jewelry that you’re wearing now? When did you get it?

Natalie:    Yes, very special! @pedernyhus and I got engaged on March 23rd. The wedding is in April.

Congrats to you and to @pedernyhus! How did propose to you, and how are the wedding plans going?

Natalie:    Thank you! Our first date was really epic. He reenacted it and proposed about halfway through in Rice Park.

It was hugely romantic and there were lots of tears! Wedding planning is going really well. So far, it’s been easy!

@pedernyhus and I tag team just about everything in life, so we have been doing it all together.

(Good man @pedernyhus!) Are you somebody that always had a plan of what their wedding would be/look like?

Natalie:    He is! Nope, no idea. We were stumped at 1st. We figured it out pretty quickly, tho. We are heading to Palm Springs…

…for an Old Hollywood-style wedding. Our main goal is for people to have fun! We are focusing on personal touches.

Sounds stylish and fun! All the best to you over the next few months! :) Shifting gears. What do you do at @wcco?

Natalie:    Thank you! I’m a reporter/anchor. I primarily cover traffic, entertainment and health. We are on weekdays 4:30-7 am.

Which has been the toughest to learn: geography (traffic), names (entertainment) or terms (health) for you?

Natalie:    Haha! That’s a great question. Love it. Well, I’m from MN so the roads were easy.

I look to the experts for the health stuff. I’d say the hardest of the 3 choices you gave is pronouncing celeb names.

Especially the names of their children. They are wild these days! Whatever happened to names like Sarah and John?!

I bet, especially when NEW people come on the scene.  What other gigs are you currently working on, w/free time? :)

Natalie:    Not a lot right now! I’m still on @fsnorth and @BTN_Minnesota reporting on Gopher football and basketball.

I’ve also been filling in on @wccoradio occasionally. I LOVE working with them. Other than that, just spending time…

with family and friends.I spend a lot of time missing my sister, bro-in-law and Godson, tho! They’re on a mission trip.

I bet you do. :) Lets get to another topic that you enjoy, FASHION. What stores have been catching your eye lately?

Natalie:    Always, always Covered Uptown @coveredgirls. They are the best in town. My sister just graduated w/ a degree…

…in biz & fashion. She started working at @nordstrom. Gina styles me a ton. She’s really great working w/ a budget.

I’m also a sucker for @shopbop http://shopbop.com

Do you typically know what you’re looking for? Do you prefer to shop alone or in a group? Liking Fall/Winter boots?

Natalie:    Ha! I actually do like to shop alone. I’m always looking for flattering on-air clothing, which is a challenge.

I looooooooooove boots – anytime of year. :)

Joel:    Thank you so much for your time and comments today Natalie. You bring a genuine spirit to TV.

Natalie:    Thank YOU, Joel! That was a fun interview. You’re a blast. Keep in touch, and thanks for thinking of me!

[Interview conducted on WED October 24, 2012]

Imagine interning for a company that you grew up admiring, and then years later, after working for other companies that do similar work, being able to come back where you interned and getting a role there that you enjoy doing. That’s what happened to Jamie Yuccas. Find out the path of this energetic journalist, and learn what she enjoys doing when she’s not either in front of a camera reporting in the field or sitting behind an anchor’s desk.

Welcome to a Twitterview (Twitter+interview) with @wcco TV reporter/anchor, @JamieYuccas. Lets see how she is today!

Jamie:    Doing well! We’re all in good moods over the new set!

That’s right! @WCCO does have a new set. Have you been able to “practice” getting used to it yet?

Jamie:    We’ve been doing rehearsals.

Great! Congrats on your 1yr Anniv of the #wccoSATam show. How has the first year gone for you?

Jamie:    I honestly can’t believe it’s been a year! It’s flying by! I guess that’s what the saying is for… We’re all having fun!

You and @Mattt_Brickman seem to have lots of fun. In 1-5 Tweets, what have been some of your favorite segments?

Jamie:    I think every Best of MN by @matt_brickman are fantastic.

it’s hard to pick a favorite. I also think @DeRushaEats does a great job showing off all MN has to offer with food!

I loved hanging with the @mnrollergirls

I just love meeting new people and trying new things. And Saturdays have allowed me to do that in all kinds of ways.

we’ve helped charities, laughed at ourselves and learned new things. How awesome is that?

my only hope is the audience is learning, having fun and laughing along with us!

oh! And Doga was pretty fun, too. My pup, Murphy, is still zen.  pic.twitter.com/NzfWK3ts

it’s true! I get people thanking me, because we help plan their weekend with new spots!

Dog haircut soon? To shift gears, can you share why you got interested in journalism, and where you first started?

Jamie:    Saturday! I always knew. I made up a newspaper, called “The Loon Lagoon.” I’d make my cousins write for it!

I also used to record little radio shows.

then in high school at MGSH, I took journalism with Ms. Caruso. Loved her! She helped me get to the U of M J-school.

I interned @wcco!

I then went to Rochester, MN for my first on air gig, then Fort Myers, FL. Now, I’m home @wcco!

Who were the anchors at @WCCO when you interned there, and how excited were you when you were hired in 2011 by @wcco?

Jamie:    I was very excited! Don Shelby and @WCCOAmelia were the main anchors.

You’ve done quite a few segments on fitness.  Do you do much of that outside of work? Do you run/jog?

Jamie:    I do! I run or do the elliptical almost every day. I’m going to run the TC 10 mile in two weeks.

I also love yoga, Pilates and walking the dogs. Just don’t get to do those more relaxing workouts enough

That’s sounds like a good balance. Your Twitter BIO says that you’re a foodie. Any restaurant recommendations?

Jamie:    My MOM’S. you’ll never get a better food/wine experience! My brother and I have been bugging her to open up something!

I think my brother and I were the only college kids to ever LOSE 15 pounds our freshman year

Kudos to your mom! :) To close, when can people see you next on TV next?

Jamie:    Tonight at 5. Photographer is driving, while I tweet. Headed to Danbury, WI for Reena Williams parent’s arraignment.

Joel:    Alright. Then on @wcco #SATam starting at 8am with @Matt_Brickman. Thanks for your time today Jamie. Have a good one!

Jamie:    You, too, Joel!

Chris Egert is an anchor and reporter for KSTP-TV news in the Twin Cities. He’s been in the news business for awhile, with stints in Nebraska, Florida and Washington state.

Many people look for a new opportunity as a way to “step up” and grow. Move to a bigger city or market to get more recognition, more experience and exposure.  Chris has Midwest roots, and they’ve never left him.  In this 3-part interview with Chris, you’ll find out the real and touching reason for him to pursue an opportunity to work in a newsroom in the Twin Cities.  He’ll share what his experience has been like in covering the news in different parts of the country and then share some of the things that he enjoys doing since he and his family have moved to Minnesota.  Get to know a new face of television news in Minnesota, Chris Egert.

In part 2 of the Chris Egert interview, he talks about how news is covered differently in comparing each of the news markets that he’s worked in; South Dakota, Omaha NE, Orlando FL and Seattle WA. He then talks about the responsibility of news people when covering Breaking News.

In part 3 of the Chris Egert interview, he shares what he likes to do outdoors with his family. Talks about some places that he like to eat at in the Twin CIties, and what he hopes his wife lets him purchase at some point.