We recently caught up with XHS alumna, Kristen Scholer (X07), senior news anchor at Cheddar, a New York City-based news network, which covers national news, technology, business, culture, and more. Kristen discusses her journey from Cedar Rapids to New York City, which features stops at CNBC and the Wall Street Journal and what life in media is like in the Big Apple.
What inspired you to pursue a career in journalism?
Since growing up in Iowa, I had an appetite for the news: breaking stories, international news and domestic affairs. When I would finish my homework in my parents’ home, I would turn on the news and watch it before bed, captivated by the window to the world it provided. Traveling, hearing people’s stories, being with them and telling their journey via journalism is what led me to the field.
Walk us through your professional journey to Cheddar.
Fortunately I landed a job at CNBC midway through my senior year at Northwestern University. The position was for immediate fill, so I quickly needed to graduate early and start a dream job in New York City! At CNBC I began as a producer on its news desk, working with anchors and reporters on their assignments and assisting during breaking news events. About nine months in, I was promoted to markets producer, working from the New York Stock Exchange. It was utterly exciting to be at the NYSE each day, covering the stock market and the sudden moves it can bring.
Kristen Scholer (X07) reporting from the White House.
Follow Kristen on Twitter at @KristenScholer.
The Wall Street Journal hired me from CNBC, and while I was there I wrote a daily stock market column with wide distribution. I also anchored and reported on its streaming video network; and I wrote multiple stories each day for publication.
Then Cheddar, a news network, approached me before it officially launched, and I joined as its first news anchor in April 2016. Overnight I went from covering big bank earnings reports at WSJ to anchoring from the floor of the NYSE for a brand new network. Building Cheddar from the start, anchoring with the CEO Jon Steinberg, and expanding my own daily coverage to include politics, international and domestic news, in addition to business news, has brought many enriching experiences.
What does a typical day at Cheddar look like?
My day starts early! At 4:40 a.m. my alarm is buzzing. I’m up and at ‘em, consuming the news and preparing for my show. Between 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. I’m anchoring from the New York Stock Exchange, conducting topical interviews, and providing real-time coverage of the stock market with the trading floor as my backdrop.
The Presidential election this year also means I’m anchoring in primetime for election night, the debates, the Democratic National Convention, and the Republican National Convention.
Obviously life in New York is different than life in Iowa (especially in media). Can you tell us about the difference that may have surprised you the most?
In NYC I have more than eight million neighbors! That’s the population of the city. You get to meet new people everyday; but I still miss my family and friends back home too!
In an era of 24/7 news (which includes a wide variety of media), life in media can be demanding. How do you manage this?
Creating a schedule has really helped me maximize my time and stay consistent in my on-air performance each day. During the week, I wake up at the same time, and I try to go to bed at the same time. On top of that, eating healthy keeps my energy up and I work to make it a priority everyday.
What has been the most significant story or topic you’ve covered during your career?
The year 2020. Between a presidential election, a pandemic and the economic fallout, this year has been the biggest news story of my career.
How often are you able to make it back home?
I try to come home a few times a year. Honestly I would come home more often if there was a direct flight from NYC that could make a weekend trip possible! To stay close, I’m in daily contact with my family via phone calls and text. During non-Covid times, we meet up somewhere around Thanksgiving or Christmas. And my mom will visit me in the big city several times a year, which I’m grateful for!
Can you tell us about how Xavier had a positive impact on your life in a professional and personal way?
Xavier fostered core principles in me: that community work and optimism can take you and others far, personally and professionally.
What is your favorite memory from high school?
The best memories are when everyone came together, no matter what club, sport or extracurricular interest anyone had. It was simply fun to be with everyone in a communal setting!
What about your work brings you the most joy?
Talking to a diverse group of voices each day about current events brings me joy!
Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students who may be considering a career in journalism?
For many jobs in journalism, you’ll need to show work samples to get hired. Try to utilize resources - cameras, microphones, and lighting if you can get it - to regularly build out your work. Schools may be able to provide this equipment. Or, if nothing else, you can film on a phone with a steady shot. No matter what stage of your career, your potential employer will want to see fresh material!
Cheddar broadcasts live on SlingTV, Hulu Live, Optimum, YouTube TV, Suddenlink, Twitter, Facebook Watch, Pluto, Xumo, and more. Watched live by more than 4 million people each month, Cheddar also garners hundreds of millions of organic video views monthly across Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and other social and distributed video platforms. Learn more at Cheddar.com...