Scott Tong

Correspondent

SHORT BIO

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 Stories (1,339)

Offshore drilling debate resurfaces

Jun 29, 2006
With pressure from states and local governments to find additional sources of revenue, Congress today is discussing plans to open up offshore regions to oil and natural gas drilling. Scott Tong reports.

Introducing the pimp tax

Jun 28, 2006
The Senate Finance Committee holds hearings today on whether pimps should be forced to pay taxes for their ill-gotten gains, as Congress takes a page from the Elliott Ness playbook to deal with prostitution. Scott Tong reports.

Flood insurance reform

Jun 27, 2006
Flooding shut down parts of Washington, D.C., today as a hearing on Capitol Hill considered changes to federal flood insurance. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, there's growing consensus the program must be reformed so taxpayers don't get soaked. Scott Tong reports.

Flood insurance overhaul

Jun 27, 2006
As heavy rains continue to pound the Mid-Atlantic, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on a bill today making government flood insurance more expensive. Scott Tong reports.

Univision finally has a buyer

Jun 27, 2006
The nation's dominant Spanish-speaking TV network has been on the block since February. This morning it reached an agreement with a group of private equity companies that's offered $12.3 billion. Scott Tong reports.

EU bypasses Hamas to aid Palestinians

Jun 16, 2006
The European Union says it will initially provide $126 million directly to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, head of the Fatah faction. The idea is to bypass Fatah's rival, Hamas, until it renounces violence. Scott Tong reports.

Inflating inflation

Jun 16, 2006
The Fed is allergic to inflation. But is inflation really in the air? And how can it irritate your family budget? Scott Tong finds out.

DeLay says goodbye

Jun 9, 2006
Former House Majority leader Tom DeLay leaves Congress today. He faces trial for money-laundering and he's tied to the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Scott Tong takes a look at whether his legacy is likely to last.

Killing the 'death tax'?

Jun 6, 2006
The Senate could begin debate as early as today on a possible repeal of the estate tax. Prospects for passage don't look good, but don't expect the issue to go away any time soon. Scott Tong reports.

Labor-market snapshot not pretty

Jun 2, 2006
The government's snapshot of the labor market released today wasn't pretty. Employers last month did a whole lot less hiring than expected. It was enough for some economists to use the term "inflection point." Scott Tong explains.