Hello everyone! Welcome to this noontime Twitterview with my special guest, @FrankieVWCCO. Lets get things started!
Q – #1 So @FrankieVWCCO, when did you first know that you wanted to get into journalism? Did it come easy to you?
Frank: No. I had another career as a stockbroker and didn’t get into TV until I was 27-28. Wish I would have read …
“what color is your parachute” years earlier. But it all worked out, just took a while. No regrets.
Q – #2 Where did you get your journalism training from and what was your first job working in news?
Frank: I went to Columbia College in Chicago then an internship in Champaign, IL. and first TV gig was in Decatur IL.in 1992
Q – #3 Do you remember the first story that you covered or is there a memorable one from your 1st gig?
Frank: Sure do. It was about a job fair and I did a stand up about the fact there were no TV jobs. Corny and took 17 takes.
most people need to start in smaller markets to get polished and comfortable. I sure did!!
I have an Emmy Award winning blooper real.
Q – #4 Needless to say, you’ve come a LONG way! :) So what steps did you take from there to end up at @wcco?
Frank: Just kept working to get better and go to bigger markets. From reporter in Decatur to weekend anchor/reporter
then from Decatur to Peoria as 5,6,10 pm anchor, then KARE as morning and eventually evening anchor, then WCCO
Q – #5 Most people probably know that your co-anchor @wccoAmelia, is also your wife. How did you two meet?
Frank: At a charity event in Nov. 1996. I am such a wimp that I sent my buddy in first
to talk to her to she if she was ‘cool’. He gave the tumbs up so I went over and said hello. What if he
had given her a bad report? Life is funny. thank God it worked out
Q – #6 For sure. How was it when you were going to work at @wcco with her. Was there a big discussion about it?
Frank: Of course. Lots of discussion. It was much harder on her. She would tell you I’m a bit of a control freak.
But it worked out great. Certainly an initial change but actually lead to better communication.
Q – #7 Good! Lets shift gears now. You had some major surgery recently. What did you have done and how have you helped others?
Frank: Hip replacement April 1st. Worked out great wish I would have done it sooner. Dozens of people asked about it….
..and I’m always willing to answer questions and try to help
Dr. Scott Anseth at Twin Cities Orthopedic was my surgeon and it took place at Abbot.
Q – #8 Now the #TweetFLOOD is going to hit you. :) How has your recovery been going after you had it done?
Frank: Great! No pain any longer. In hospital 2 days on crutches for 4 weeks and now can do everything except for impact sports
Q – #9 Super! Now to your FAVORITE(S) – Restaurant, store, comfort food, hobby and recent book or movie.
Frank: Bar LaGrassa, Buon Giorno, Broders,notice an Italian theme here? Grew up on and still eat mom’s pasta and meatballs
read all Vince flynn novels but many more periodicals than fiction. My sister just told me about book, Lone Survivor
hobbies are on hold w/ 3 kids but I love to fish and go to live rock-n-roll shows. U2, The Who.
@JoelECarlson: Thank you VERY MUCH for taking some time for #jectv from your busy schedule! See you at 5,6 and 10pm tonight on @wcco.
Frank: My pleasure, great questions and a lot of fun. Enjoy the perfect weather today. Shower now and off to work.
@JoelECarlson: I also love the segments with your mom and with @wccoRosen’s mom too! Hopefully we see more of them soon. :)