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Mitchell Hartman

Correspondent

SHORT BIO

Mitchell’s most important job at Marketplace is to explain the economy in ways that non-expert, non-business people can understand. Michell thinks of his audience as anyone who works, whether for money or not, and lives in the economy . . . which is most people.

Mitchell wants to understand, and help people understand, how the economy works, who it helps, who it hurts and why. Mitchell gets to cover what he thinks are some of the most interesting aspects of the economy: wages and inflation, consumer psychology, wealth inequality, economic theory and how it measures up to economic reality.

Mitchell was a high school newspaper nerd and a college newspaper editor. He has worked for The Philadelphia Inquirer, WXPN-FM, WBAI-FM, KPFK-FM, Pacifica Radio, the CBC, the BBC, Monitor Radio, Cairo Today Magazine, The Jordan Times, The Middletown Press, The New Haven Register, Oregon Business Magazine, the Reed College Alumni Magazine, and Marketplace (twice — 1994-2001 & 2008-present).

Mitchell has gone on strike (Newspaper Guild vs. Knight Ridder, Philadelphia, 1985) and helped organize a union (with SAG-AFTRA at Marketplace, 2021-23). Mitchell once interviewed Marcel Marceau and got him to talk.

Latest Stories (1,998)

What is the wealth gap?

Mar 1, 2012
Those at the top have an increasingly bigger share, while middle and low incomes stagnate.

The middle class? Not what it used to be

Feb 29, 2012
It used to be that the middle class meant "doing well," and reaching the American Dream. What does "middle class" mean these days?

The economy and elections: Ghosts of the past

Feb 28, 2012
We look back at three big economic issues that have swayed elections in recent memory.

What is poverty? Think beyond the official number

Feb 28, 2012
Many who are technically living above the poverty line in the United States actually can’t afford to pay for basic needs like clothing and food.

What is wealth? Hint: It’s not just for the rich

Feb 27, 2012
Wealth is more than a big paycheck. Assets provide security and a boost for your children’s future.

Introducing the Wealth & Poverty beat

Feb 24, 2012
Reporter Mitchell Hartman discusses the need for Marketplace's new Wealth & Poverty desk.

Growing up is hard if you can’t find a job

Feb 9, 2012
In this economy, young people postpone careers, marriage, kids and even leaving home.

States could get billions from 'Robosigning' banks

Feb 6, 2012
Monday is the deadline for states to sign onto a settlement with the nation's largest banks over abusive foreclosure practices. The deal would reportedly force banks to pay billions of dollars to people who lost their homes.

Jobs report brings rare good economic news

There was some good news from Washington for a change. For the second month in row, U.S. job creation rose, leading some to believe the economy might finally be showing signs of a sustained recovery. But there were some skeptics.

The downside of low interest rates

Jan 26, 2012
Retirees see less return on savings; some businesses invest in tech, not workers.