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DAVID BRANCACCIO: THE VOICE BEHIND "MARKETPLACE"
On the air since 1989, "Marketplace" is public radio's daily magazine of business and economics. "Marketplace" was created as a show that wasn't just about business; instead, it was about everything, but as viewed through the lens of business and economics. Their motto is "Business is important... but not as important as life itself." In 2001, "Marketplace" played to more than 4.426 million listeners per week on more than 315 stations. Second only to PBS's Nightly Business Report, "Marketplace" draws more listeners each week than the business shows produced by CNN, CNBC, or Bloomberg including CNN's Moneyline and CNBC's Market Wrap.
David Brancaccio is the voice behind "Marketplace" radio. He has been its host and senior editor since September 1993. Brancaccio received his bachelor's degree in history and African studies from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He received his master's degree in journalism from Stanford University, where he also taught a graduate-level course in broadcast news writing. The son of a Colby College English professor, Brancaccio also attended schools in Italy, Madagascar, and Ghana.
Brancaccio began his broadcasting career in Maine, where he served as newscaster, reporter, and announcer for Waterville's WTVL-AM/FM for 6 years. Since then, Brancaccio has gained experience in several major markets, including newscasting and reporting positions at KQED-FM, San Francisco. There he caught the ear of "Marketplace"'s International Editor George Lewinski, who ultimately offered him a freelance assignment: to set up and maintain an informal news bureau in London. The bureau soon became a full-fledged operation. Brancaccio served as London bureau chief for 3 years before being promoted to his current position.
SETTING THE CONTEXT
Let me take a moment to orient the reader to the context of this interview. The intent of the interview is to reveal the hectic, day-to-day environment in which news operates. Although David Brancaccio is most certainly a reflective host, he has no choice but to respond to the particular news events of any given day. Although this interview is largely centered on the events that transpired on September 11, 2001, it would be a grave mistake for the reader to conclude that there are no general principles that emerge from the interview. In fact, the interview reveals the general...