Jennifer Rooks
Host and Executive Producer, Maine CallingJennifer walked into her college radio station as a 17-year-old freshman and never looked back. Even though she was terrified of the microphone back then — and spoke into it as little as possible — she loved the studio, the atmosphere and, most of all, the people who work in broadcasting. She was hooked. Decades later, she’s back behind the radio microphone hosting Maine Public Radio’s flagship talk program, Maine Calling. She’s not afraid of the mic anymore, but still loves the bright, eclectic people she gets to work with every day.
Jennifer joined MPBN in June 2007 after spending more than 13 years at WCSH-TV in Portland as a general assignment reporter and weekend news anchor. She has twice won a regional Edward R. Murrow award: in 1998, for coverage of Maine National Guard and Reserve soldiers deployed in Bosnia and Hungary, and in 2003, for the documentary Citizen King, about then-governor and former Maine Watch host Angus King.
For six years, Jennifer served as host, reporter and executive producer of Maine Watch with Jennifer Rooks. She has moderated more than 20 broadcast debates for Maine Public Television and has produced three television documentaries: Broken Trust: Elder Abuse in Maine and Winds of Change, both Maine Watch Special Reports, and A Matter of Duty: The Continuing War Against PTSD. Co-produced with Charlie Stuart, A Matter of Duty has been shown on PBS television stations throughout the U.S. and in multiple screenings, including at the National Sheriff’s Association national conference.
Jennifer grew up outside Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her BA from the University of Virginia and her master’s in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley. She worked at television stations in San Francisco and Monterey, California, before coming to Maine. She and her husband Mike have two teenagers.
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We rebroadcast our show about the art of storytelling, and a new Maine Public podcast called "Essential Salt' -
The magic of light in wintertime, from solstice to dark skies to holiday lights — plus a Maine Public Classical special program that celebrates light this season. -
Why is Maine one of the least religious state? And how are different faiths practiced here? -
The news landscape is changing rapidly, as more people turn to social media, video networks and podcasts for information -
What is it like to live with physical, developmental and other disabilities—and what do others misunderstand? -
We re-air our show about how our communications on social media, emails, texts and online remain as our "digital footprint" -
Ways to give time & energy, money, items and lend a hand to those who need it -
The latest on car buying and selling, electric vehicles, auto repair, winter driving safety—and answers to your questions -
Ways to engage in outdoor activities this time of year, and why the cold can be good for you -
Astronomy experts talk about what to see in the sky this month, from meteor showers to a close comet
