1. Tell us a little bit about yourself – Where are you from and how you got to be where you are today – 

I was born and raised in Sioux City, IA.  After graduating high school, I attended the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Electronic Media with a minor in Journalism.  I interned at KWWL-TV, the local NBC affiliate, where I really developed my passion and love for the business.  Meeting deadline is the biggest adrenaline rush!  From my internship, I was hired as a reporter at KDLT-TV in Sioux Falls, SD.  I was very fortunate, because it was only an hour away from hometown, so I was able to see my family regularly.  Three months after starting at KDLT, I was promoted to morning anchor.  It was a great experience, but also very challenging.  In addition, I produced the show. And most mornings I had to run my own teleprompter with a foot pedal -- which I should add -- was broken on more than a few mornings. So it wasn’t unusual for the scripts to go zooming by! 

While working in South Dakota, I met my future husband.  He worked for one of the competing stations.  In August 2008, we got the exciting news that he was offered a full time anchor job in Tucson.  I decided to stay in Sioux Falls and job-hunt when he first moved down.  Three months later, we were both miserable without each other so I took the biggest risk of my life.  I moved down to Tucson without a job, even though I thought I had some solid leads.  I think I was naïve about how hard it would be to get back into the field and how I thought love would always be enough.  But the truth is, I missed television news more than I thought possible, and it affected my happiness. I met with news directors, applied for openings, and finally, a year and half later in February 2010, Kathleen Choal and Cathie Batbie hired me as a part-time multi-media journalist at KVOA.  I have never been so grateful for an opportunity, even more than my first job out of college. In December 2010 I was promoted to Weekend Anchor, and aside from my wedding day, it was one of the happiest days of my life.  I feel like my dreams are coming true and I am so happy to be where I am today. 

2. How did it feel to find out you won Tucson’s Best 2011 Weekend News Anchor?
It was great! I co-anchor with John Overall, and he’s truly the best. But it’s nice to have bragging rights. 

3. What does your profession mean to you?
I love meeting new people, understanding different perspectives on life, and constantly learning.  I see people at their best and worst.  I love being able to tell the story, especially stories that are inspiring. 

4. What is a typical day like as a KVOA anchor?
A typical day as an anchor consists of searching for stories, updating our social media pages, reading through scripts, and writing stories.  Things get really interesting when I am out in the field reporting.  Sometimes my story is switched numerous times throughout the day, and I have five minutes to prepare for a live shot.  You never know what’s coming your way.  You’re on your toes constantly!

 

5.  If you could cover any story, what would it be?
My favorite story wouldn’t be covering someone famous or anything like that.  It would be more along the lines of something positive happening because of a story I wrote.  For instance, last year I covered a story about a service dog who was in training to help a young autistic boy.  The dog was hit by a car and the family couldn’t afford surgery to fix his broken leg.  The little boy really needed the dog’s help.  Within a couple days of the story airing, the community pulled together and raised the few thousand dollars needed for the dog’s surgery.  I would love to cover more stories like that.

6. If you had to pick, what has been your favorite moment in your career? 
My promotion to Weekend Anchor. 

7. When you think of AZFoothills.com, what do you think of?
I think of a trendy place to find the best in arts and entertainment.  I love the beauty and style section!  And I really like to cook and bake so it’s fun to look for new recipes on the site!

Emily and husband, Lou. Courtesy of Kameron Bayne Images

8. What is your motto to live by?
In college, UNI alumnus and Entertainment Tonight host Mark Steines spoke to my class. He said, “Live life like you’re a movie star.”  In the movies, the main character finds a way to overcome obstacles to reach their desired outcome. We all have the power to transform and make our dreams a reality. You only have one life, and you better make the most of it.   I don’t want to look back on my life and wish I would have put more of myself into something, or tried harder.  I want to do my best, and when I am 90 years old look back with lots of memories of all that I’ve accomplished.

9. If you had an entire day free, what would you do?
I would love to just relax.  A spa day sounds amazing.  I have trouble relaxing.

10. What are your goals for the future?
I would really like to co-anchor with my husband Lou Raguse someday.   I also would really like to win an Emmy Award.