From Milwaukee to the National Stage: A Conversation with Ben Tracy
Ben Tracy, a former Milwaukeean and five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, now a national correspondent for CBS News, recently reflected on his career trajectory. He shared insights into his time in the city, his current role in Los Angeles, and the unique challenges and rewards of his profession.
This conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent journalist and the path he took to reach national prominence.
Milwaukee: A City with a Distinct Charm
Tracy's time in Milwaukee holds a special place in his heart. He reminisced about the ease of accessing the city's natural beauty, the vibrant neighborhood vibes, and the strong sense of community that characterized his Milwaukee experience.
"I miss the feeling of truly being part of a city," he shared. He acknowledged that while Milwaukee has come a long way, a perception problem - a sense of not being fully recognized for its strengths - persists. He believes improved transportation infrastructure would boost the city's appeal even further, but noted that the lack of decisive action on this front sometimes feels discouraging.
"You see how much further ahead other cities are," he pointed out, "and it can be a bit disheartening." He emphasized the importance of financial investment in fostering a city's growth and development.
Los Angeles: A Different Kind of City, and a Different Kind of Journalism
The move to Los Angeles has introduced Tracy to a different environment, one marked by scale and scope.
He described the sheer size of the city and its rapid pace as both energizing and challenging. He also noted the unique dynamism of the media landscape on the West Coast, where his role involves traveling extensively throughout twelve Western states. "You're chasing stories in a very competitive space, and it's important to maintain a clear focus on your work," he said.
He highlighted the demanding nature of covering the news on a national scale, emphasizing the difficulty of truly grasping the full spectrum of the nation's concerns, contrasting this with his experience of working more closely with local communities in the Twin Cities.
The Pulse of the Nation: A Journalist's Perspective
Tracy's work has taken him to the forefront of various national events.
He shared stories about the unique opportunities and challenges inherent in his role, recounting anecdotes about interviewing notable figures and experiencing live events. He used the example of covering a sporting event, getting a view from the stands, and later interviewing players - a perfect representation of his dedicated and diligent approach to his profession.
He also mentioned the satisfaction derived from securing interviews with prominent figures, like his stories about securing interviews with the Manning brothers. It's about capturing the nuances of a moment, the ability to tell a story in a way that resonates with a broad audience.
Beyond the Headlines: A Personal Reflection
The conversation with Tracy reveals a person passionate about storytelling and deeply invested in his work. He's not just reporting the news; he's uncovering stories and highlighting the voices of those often overlooked.
His story underscores the dedication, the drive, and the passion that shapes the work of journalists. Tracy mentioned his goal of improving news coverage, highlighting the need for more in-depth reporting to better serve the public and engage with local communities.
The Future: Seeking Meaningful Impact
His current work as a national correspondent is a fulfilling manifestation of a lifelong ambition.
He's clearly found his stride in a very challenging field. While he's content to pursue his path, he openly acknowledges the possibility of pursuing new goals in the future, perhaps even seeking a leadership role in transportation initiatives in Milwaukee.
Ultimately, Tracy's story encapsulates the essence of a driven, passionate journalist deeply committed to telling stories that matter, and to reporting on subjects with a profound impact on communities across the country.