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 highlight some of the dedicated and creative teachers who connect with students in out-of-the-ordinary ways -
We re-air our earlier show about why first jobs are important, and what some well-known Mainers did for their first jobs -
How streets in Maine are named—and some of the common, uncommon, quirky and odd street names in Maine -
Comedien and NPR quiz show panelist Paula Poundstone share her thoughts on current events, her podcast, and her recent visit to Maine for "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!"
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A new atlas describes every reptile and amphibian found in Maine. We learn about these species and what's being done to protect them. -
What are the top causes of traffic accidents and fatalities? And what constitutes safe driving behavior? -
What to know about the symptoms and treatment of Parkinson's Disease, and what supports and resources are available in Maine -
How music affects the brain, and how it can help our mental health (rebroadcast) -
How are Maine restaurants faring, what challenges do they face? And how restaurants play a role in social connection -
Authors discuss the intersection of writing and climate change, and how small climate actions can make a difference
