Inside 680News: Charlene Close
Posted April 26, 2012 10:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
1) What’s the most memorable news story you’ve covered?
The G20 protests in downtown Toronto in June 2010. This assignment is definitely one of the most memorable stories of my career. Trying to anticipate the actions of the crowd and the reaction of the police was incredibly difficult. Trying to keep listeners in the loop while at the same time considering my own safety was definitely tough.
2) What are your hobbies?
I play the piano … poorly! I ski … poorly! I can’t swim but I love the beach. I love to read ridiculous novels with a high body count.
3) What’s your favourite place (country, city) visited and why?
Sete Cidades, São Miguel, Azores. Beautiful. Peaceful. Breathtaking.
4) What would your last meal on earth be?
Pancakes swimming in syrup and butter.
5) Favourite book you’ve read in last 12 months?
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. A very powerful and thought-provoking read.
6) If you were stuck on island. What are the three things you’d want with you?
- A five-star hotel with a concierge
- Bar of soap (I watch “Survivor” – they stink!)
- Jon Bon Jovi
7) If you’d have another career, what would it be?
Real estate agent. I’m obsessed with real estate.
8) Do you like drink coffee or tea?
Decaffeinated chai tea. Caffeine is not my friend.
9) What you like about 680News?
The immediacy of the format. Breaking news doesn’t wait and neither does 680News.
10) Are you married?
Celebrating my 18th wedding anniversary in June 2012.
11) Do you have any pets?
Two cats – Steve McQueen and Adelaide. Someone left them in a box in a park when they were just a few days old.
12) How long have you been with 680News/Rogers?
I joined 680News in September 2005. I also spent seven years at Rogers’ Kitchener station 570News.
13) What are your greatest accomplishments?
I was part of the 680News team to win the “best newscast” award for the coverage of the Vaughan tornado in August 2009.
14) What city/country where you born in?
Leamington, Ont. (I love ketchup but hate tomatoes)
15) What do you love about working at 680News?
I love that practically everyone I have run into across the GTA and beyond knows of 680News.
16) Which living person do you most admire?
Ellen DeGeneres.
17) What’s your motto?
You can’t change people but you can change how you react to people.
- Read more about Charlene on the 680News bio page.
