MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Katie McGee, Traffic and Entertainment Reporter for "CBS 2 News This Morning"
Katie McGee is currently the Traffic and Entertainment Reporter for "CBS 2 News This Morning." Katie previously worked for CBS 2 as an entertainment/features reporter from 2002 through 2005. She received a New York Press Club Award for Best Entertainment Reporting for the 2004 special, "CBS 2 at the Tonys."
Prior to re-joining CBS 2, Katie worked as an entertainment reporter and fill-in host for the MSG Network’s nightly show, MSG/NY. Katie has also worked for Shadow Traffic where she served as reporter for several New York and New Jersey stations, including WNBC, WRAT Radio, WLIR Radio and WKXW Radio. Additionally, she contributed feature reports for WNBC. Prior to that, she was a reporter for WCOJ-AM Radio in Thorndale, PA.
McGee has also appeared in several television and theater productions including “Guiding Light” and “Law and Order: SVU”.
She received a degree in arts administration and theater from Wagner College in 1994. A Delaware native, McGee grew up in New Jersey, where she currently lives. We are so pleased to present her as our latest Mover and Shaker!
Peachy Deegan interviewed Katie McGee for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: When did you realize you wanted to go into television and what made you pick trafffic?
Katie McGee: My original ambition was to be an actress…but I have always been a news junkie ((I got it from my mom!)). Right around my 25th birthday, I decided it was time to pick a career…and I happened to be watching Oprah, followed by the local news in Philadelphia. I thought…this is something I might like to do!
As far as traffic…it found me! To make a long story short…I was in the right place at the right time. As with anything in life, you have to be ready when opportunity knocks…sometimes you only get one shot!
Do you prefer to be a reporter or in studio and why?
I do like being in studio. I am blessed to work with the greatest morning team both in front of, and behind the camera. We help each other through those early hours!
When the traffic is bad what is the best way to be the messenger of not-so-good news?
It’s all in the delivery. You have to remember that you’re talking to people who are just getting up …and trying to get their day started on the right foot! Anything can sound better when said with a smile. A little humor infused into the situation can also go a long way…as long as the situation is not too serious. Then it’s time to simply state the facts…and help the viewer make an alternate plan.
What did you like most about covering the Tonys?
I would say it’s a mix of meeting the hard working actors who live and breathe their work…and the chance to catch rehearsals for the big show at Radio City.
How do you balance covering traffic with covering entertainment? Do they ever coincide?
They haven’t coincided…yet! But I’ve learned to never say never! The traffic portion of the job takes place during the course of our broadcast. Traffic conditions are constantly changing…and are updated every 10 minutes or so for the viewer. The entertainment portion involves seeing films…research and such after we are off the air. It’s a full day!
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
I would have to say my parents. For as long as I can remember…they have not only been behind me 100% in anything I have chosen to do…but they also instilled in me a good work ethic…and the importance of perseverance. Never give up! If there is something that is important to you…go for it. You never want to look back and say, “what if”?
What are you proudest of and why?
From a career standpoint…it would have to be the viewer response. All of us get up early, come to work, and strive to do our best each day. And when a viewer stops you on the street to say thank you…and talks about how they love to start their day with us…it makes it all worth while. From a personal standpoint…it would be the fact that I have been working in this industry, and in this city…for more than 11 years now. Growing up in rural New Jersey, we made frequent trips into the city. And it was always a dream of mine to work and live here. To paraphrase a certain song…if you can make it here, you’ll make it anywhere! But why would you want to leave?
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan?
In a Broadway Theater…as the house lights dim and the overture begins. It’s magic!
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan?
I’m a big fan of Bloomingdales. Especially love the Soho store.
What is your favorite drink?
Depending on the mood…ice water…Diet Coke…or a glass of Cabernet!
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan?
There are so many great restaurants…how do you choose?? One of my favorites would have to be Café Luxembourg. I used to live in the neighborhood…and it never disappoints!
What is your favorite Manhattan book?
I have a couple of books about the history of Broadway and the American Theater.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience?
Not being the most athletic person…I love running or walking my dog along the Hudson River. Especially at sunset!
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
Nothing can beat a walk through Central Park in the Fall…except maybe during the first snow fall!
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
My first concert at the Beacon…the best concert venue around!
What do you think is most underrated and overrated here?
Underrated…the people. You won’t find a more diversified mix of fantastic people anywhere else in the world!! Overrated…the hustle and bustle. I love the energy of this city…but silence can sometimes be golden!
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite Whom You Know column and what do you like about it?
Peachy’s Pet Pals! I have a 15 year old calico cat…and a 19 month old Golden Retriever…they are my babies!
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I feel blessed to be in the greatest city in the world. How lucky we are to live and work here…and have access to all that New York has to offer!!
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Email is best:
wcbstvdesk@cbs.com
