(Providence-RI)– Veteran news anchor, journalist and author Mark Curtis is joining WLNE-TV/ABC6 in Providence. Beginning January 9th, Curtis will anchor ABC6 News Weekends and join the station’s respected Investigative and Political Unit. The announcement was made today in Providence by WLNE-TV/ABC6 Vice President and General Manager Steve Doerr. “Mark brings a lot of journalistic firepower to our team,” Doerr said. “We’re delighted to add someone of Mark’s skill level and experience to our organization.”
“I have lived all over the United States, from Wisconsin, to Florida, Washington, DC, to California. But New England is where it all began, this magical democracy that is the greatest nation on Earth,” Curtis stated. “I am a political junkie by trade, and to be here in New England, which has produced its share of U.S. Presidents, is the place to be for any true political reporter.”
A seasoned anchor and reporter, his wide range of experience includes nearly a decade as morning news anchor at KTVU-TV, the Fox affiliate in San Francisco. Before that, he covered Washington, D.C. as Capital Correspondent for Cox Television.
“Mark’s journalistic experience, anchoring and reporting skills, and his in-depth insider knowledge of the political scene make him a tremendous addition to our news department,” noted ABC6 News Director BJ Finnell. “He brings the station a competitive edge no other local station can offer.”
Curtis is looking forward to his move from the West Coast. “I fell in love with Rhode Island when I visited Providence on my book tour this past summer. I am excited to call Rhode Island my new home.” Mark covered the 2008 Presidential campaign, traveling the country with the leading candidates of both parties as a blogger and political analyst. His book, “Age of Obama: A Reporter’s Journey with Clinton, McCain and Obama in the Making of the President 2008” was released Inaugural week 2009 by Nimble Books, Inc.
His passion for politics began in the early 90’s when he spent time as a Congressional Fellow, working in the House Judiciary Subcommittee of Rep. Charles Schumer, (D) New York, as well as for Senator Herb Kohl, (D) Wisconsin. His duties included planning for Congressional hearings, budget and issue research, developing press contacts and legislative strategies.
Mark grew up in Milwaukee and graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communication from Marquette University. He received a Masters Degree, with honors, from the University of Florida in Gainesville and is currently working on his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at St. Mary’s College of California, in Moraga.
Global Broadcasting of Southern New England is a Delaware corporation that specializes in broadcast property acquisition. Global Broadcasting LLC owns and operates WLNE ABC6 (http://www.abc6.com) in Providence. Additional information is available at www.abc6.com.
Dear Readers:
Just a quick correction. I have not yet received my Doctorate, but am working on my dissertation as we speak and hope to finish by fall 2010. I am close, but no Dr. yet!
I am looking forward to meeting so many of you in Providence!
Best wishes,
Mark Curtis