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Scott Tong

Correspondent

Scott Tong is a former correspondent for Marketplace. He reported on sustainability issues (energy, climate, environment, resources) for Marketplace, as well as the U.S.-China technology relationship, frequently described as “fraught.” He is Marketplace’s former China bureau chief. What was your first job? English-language audiotape (yes, tape) voice-over work. Sixth grade.Taiwan. What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started this career? Show up an hour before the interview. Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______. Gas for kid carpools; Washington Capitals hockey tickets. What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs? Smoker (plus wooden slotted spoon). What’s your most memorable Marketplace moment? Sneaking into Burma for twenty bucks.

Latest from Scott Tong

  • Feb 4, 2011

    ‘Waiting’ on January’s employment data

    The Labor Department will release its big January jobs report later this morning, and economists will be looking for growth in the leisure and food service industries. As Scott Tong explains, growth in these areas could indicate a recovery on a roll.

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  • Feb 3, 2011

    "The Daily Show" returns to Hulu

    Viacom this morning announced a drop in last quarter's profits — in part due to sluggish DVD sales. In an effort to boost revenue, Viacom has cut a deal with Hulu.com to allow popular programs like "The Daily Show," "The Colbert Report," and "The Jersey Shore" back on the website.

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  • Feb 3, 2011

    Mr. Bernanke: What have you done for me lately?

    Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke will take questions from the press today at the National Press Club. The Fed chairman has spoken to the journalists in the past, but formal press conferences by a sitting chairman are not the norm. Scott Tong has more.

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  • Feb 3, 2011

    Flight cancellations could reach record high this month

    With storms brewing across the country, winter weather is wrecking havoc on air travel. Airlines have canceled 4,800 flights so far today — that's one out of every six departures. Coupled with the flights grounded yesterday, February is positioned to be the worst-ever month for cancellations. Scott Tong explains more.

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  • Feb 2, 2011

    Shift in American confidence drives truck sales

    According to industry numbers, January sales of new cars and trucks increased 17 percent from 2010. Specifically, Americans were buying more trucks and SUVs. Scott Tong explains why.

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  • Feb 1, 2011

    Unrest in Egypt causes spike in wheat prices

    As the protests continue in Egypt, the rest of the world prepares for major increases in the price of wheat. Egypt is one of the world's leading importers of wheat, and neighboring countries are putting in big grain orders to feed their people. Scott Tong reports.

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  • Jan 31, 2011

    Moody’s cuts Egypt’s credit rating

    It's another day of protests in Egypt. And Moody's Investors Service cut Egypt's credit rating and revised its outlook to negative, showing concern about how the unrest is costing the government. Scott Tong explains.

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  • Jan 31, 2011

    Egypt’s economy cannot sustain its young workforce

    As the protests continue in Egypt, many of the people calling for change are under 30. As unemployment estimates among Egypt's college graduates reaches 30, Scott Tong explains the strained relationship between Egypt's economy and its growing young population.

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  • Jan 28, 2011

    WindMade products do more than suck air

    The new WindMade eco-label, unveiled by business leaders at the Davos World Economic Forum, introduces a new standard for renewable products.

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  • Jan 20, 2011

    China tries to polish image in U.S. with TV ads

    As President Obama welcomes Chinese president Hu Jintao for a state visit, Americans should get ready for a Chinese ad blitz on TV. The spots — with images of ordinary Chinese citizens juxtaposed with celebrities like the NBA's Yao Ming — are aimed at improving China's image in the U.S. Will it work? Marketplace's Scott Tong takes a look.

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