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

Dec 1, 2010
Insurance companies have no doubts about global warming
Insurance companies are taking into account the potential for rising water levels and more aggressive hurricanes when considering rates. Marketplace's Scott Tong reports.
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Nov 30, 2010
Keeping countries in check at U.N. climate summit
The U.N. climate negotiators are at it again for the next two weeks as they meet for a summit in Cancun, Mexico. On the block: making sure countries are following regulations and making an effort in decreasing global warming. Scott Tong talks more about the U.S.'s important role.
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Nov 25, 2010
Australian mine gets into the rare earths game
In the world of rare earths — the critical metals that are believed to be the fuel of tomorrow — China is the global leader. Then came news that an Australian mine hopes to be operating by next year. Will other countries — like the U.S. — be following soon?
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Nov 3, 2010
Voters spoke on more than just politicians
It wasn't just politicians on the midterm election ballot. Voters registered their views on taxes, the federal health care law, and climate change. Scott Tong has more.
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Nov 2, 2010
If the government is selling GM stock, who’s buying?
The federal government is offloading a big chunk of its ownership in General Motors to help pay off the massive bailouts. Scott Tong has more.
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Oct 19, 2010
Are electric car subsidies a good idea?
At the end of the year, a couple key subsidies for next-generation cars expire — like tax breaks for hybrids and charging stations for plug-ins. Yes, interest groups are lobbying to renew them. But is it a good idea to throw public money at this one particular sector? Scott Tong reports.
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Sep 23, 2010
Debating the need for petroleum subsidies
Without these federal fossil fuel tax breaks, the oil industry may not have taken off as it did. But a century later, some believe it's time to focus the subsidies on renewable energy.
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Sep 9, 2010
Why are U.S. exports doing so well?
The trade deficit for July fell from the month before — by nearly $7 billion. That comes on the heels on some of the best export numbers in two years. Reporter Scott Tong talks with Steve Chiotakis about whether the good news in trade could bring us out of the downturn.
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Sep 9, 2010
U.S. slips in competitiveness report
A new study from the World Economic Forum ranks the world's countries based on living standards and business growth. The U.S. comes in fourth, falling two places from its 2009 ranking. Reporter Scott Tong talks about why the U.S. got passed up in the competitiveness report with Bill Radke.
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Sep 8, 2010
Cutting tax breaks may pay for stimulus
To pay for some of President Obama's economic ideas — like more roads and rails — some tax breaks may be eliminated. Specifically, some deductions that oil and gas companies currently enjoy that allow them to lower their tax bills. Scott Tong reports.
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Scott Tong

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