Mark Zinni is an anchor and reporter at WFSB-TV CBS 3 in Hartford, CT, anchoring the 5:30pm newscast and reporting feature stories for other broadcasts.
Before coming to WFSB in 2014, Mark was the weekend morning anchor and a reporter at WJW-TV FOX 8 in Cleveland, OH for almost 6 years. Prior to joining WJW, he had a brief stint as an anchor/reporter at KTVX-TV ABC 4 in Salt Lake City, UT. Before that, Mark spent almost 7 years at WPRI-TV CBS 12 in Providence, RI as a morning anchor and reporter. Mark has also worked as an anchor/reporter at WTOV-TV in Steubenville, OH; as an associate producer at WJW; as a producer/reporter at WICU-TV in Erie, PA; and as an intern at both WKYC-TV in Cleveland and NBC's Today Show.
A native of the Cleveland area, Mark is a 1998 graduate of Saint Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, NY where he studied journalism and mass communication.
1. What kind of phone do you have, and what are your favorite apps?
I went with the iPhone 6 Plus because I’ve never had an iPad so I figured it was a good option for me. As for apps? Well, I’m pretty obsessed with Twitter, Facebook and my pre-programmed Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks apps! Like anyone in this business, I live on coffee several times a day!
2. Favorite and least favorite news topics to cover (besides violent crime)?
I’m living a dream right now at WFSB! I get to do a feature story during the day – which exposes me to so many wonderful things in Connecticut – and then I end my day anchoring the 5:30 news with an amazing friend and professional, Denise D’Ascenzo.3. If you weren't working in TV news, what would you be doing?
I dream about owning a coffee shop on Cape Cod, so that would been nice. Instead, I’ll just drink coffee and vacation in Provincetown.4. What was your favorite cartoon growing up?
Snoopy. My first dog was also named Snoopy!5. When you have 30 minutes of free-time, how do you pass the time?
I usually do nothing, silence is underappreciated – or I’ll take my dog for a walk because it’s a nice way to get outside.6. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
I would probably go to Cleveland and visit family and friends. I don’t need to see pyramids, tombs or leaning towers… I’m not very adventurous and I like to be home at night. I’m basically a 100-year-old man who doesn’t like to fly… That’s why Connecticut is the perfect place to call home, I love New England – the food, the people, the beaches, all of it.7. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
My grandmothers. They both died when I was young and I miss them. I’m jealous of anyone my age who still has their grandparents.8. Do you collect anything?
Selfies, lol. (kidding) Actually, nothing that I know of…
9. What are the top 3 played songs on your iPod?
I don’t know because I’d have to open iTunes at home to look BUT I’m a big fan of The Avett Brothers, OneRepublic and Coldplay. There’s a good chance One Direction is also in my top-5. Sad, I know.10. What is one of your favorite quotes?
It’s not from a famous person. My first assistant news director in Erie, Pennsylvania, sent me a top-line message in an old newsroom operating system. It said, “Mark, your vicious nature will get you far in this business!” She was joking (I hope!) but I still have the message that was printed back in 1997 when I was 22. She was a great “first” boss, I have wonderful memories of her.11. What was the last experience that made you a stronger person?
I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in January 2014. It changed my life – and how I look at life. Thankfully, I am fine.More about Mark Zinni
No endorsement between WFSB-TV and New England One is implied or intended by Mark Zinni's participation in "11 Questions"
11 Questions with Mark Zinni
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