2008 Inductee
Suzanne McCarroll is a reporter with KCNC CBS4 in Denver, a role she has held for 26 years. But ask anyone and word comes back that she’s not just any reporter: “She has the unique ability to combine assertive, get-the-story focus with sincere respect and compassion for vulnerable individuals who are caught up in a tragedy.” “… Believes that journalism is a higher calling and a public service.” “… Can go from a murder scene to a children’s hospital wing and never miss a beat.” “…Always puts the story first.” “… Any newscast is better if Suzanne is in it.” “… Her talent for listening gets the important interviews.” “…No ego.”
Starting out as a speech writer at IBM after college, Suzanne ditched the cushy corporate job for the life of a reporter at KIDK in Idaho Falls in 1979. She says it was the best career decision she ever made. From there she moved to KCGR in Cedar Rapids in 1980, serving as reporter and weekend anchor. In 1982 she took a job as an entry-level reporter at KCNC. Co-workers and competitors agree that Suzanne is a journalist whose integrity and thoughtfulness engender respect. In fact, she’s taught reporting seminars and ethics seminars at the Poynter Institute.
Through it all, she’s just as dependable as a mom as she is as a reporter. While she takes her work seriously, everyone agrees that she’d say her most important job is being a mother – to three wonderful children. She’s been able to balance the crazy life of a television reporter with family life, and make it look easy — no matter how challenging either became. She’s a role model and example to anyone who wants to “have it all.”