Scott Willis
Host, Reporter, Producer
I’ve always been enamored with the intimacy of radio. It’s so personal. It forces you to listen…and listen only. No visual distractions. I grew up listening to mostly top 40 radio in Detroit, with no shortage of entertaining DJ’s. As a teenager, I discovered the area’s all news station. I loved knowing what was going on, and the intensity with which they told stories. I often wondered what it would be like to be the first to know what was happening, and then tell others. Maybe that’s why I pursued a career in news.
I would go on to serve as an intern at that all-news station, and it was amazing and maybe a little overwhelming to see what it took to put out a constant stream of news. But something was missing. It wasn’t until after I graduated from college that I actually discovered Detroit’s public radio station at my alma mater. What a difference! You had time to write and tell engaging, meaningful stories, to be creative, all without the pressure to constantly crank out the news. Quality over quantity. That’s when I knew public radio was for me. I was hooked.
I would hone my skills on and off for almost three years at WDET as an intern under the tutelage of a patient Assistant News Director. I produced daily stories for newscasts, but also was given the privilege of producing long-form features on topics that interested me, and that people knew very little about. Now THAT was cool. Right up my alley. What budding reporter could ask for more?
I landed here in Syracuse in June 2001. Today, I’ve come full circle, and now teach the craft to more than a dozen student reporters per week. We work hard to choose informative stories, find the most engaging sound, and edit copy for clarity and accuracy.
Outside of work, I spend time with my wife and little boy. We like to take walks, travel, and read. When I can, I’ll hop on my bike for a quick ride.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the honor and privilege of bringing WAER’s dedicated and generous listeners the news of the day during All Things Considered. Thanks for listening.
