Marisa Burke Biography
Marisa Burke is a former news anchor and producer for WNEP-TV, where she worked for over 30 years. She became well-known in her career as a trusted television personality in Pennsylvania. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 2012 when her then-husband, Mark Kandel, was arrested for sending inappropriate messages to minors. This personal scandal severely impacted her both professionally and personally, as she had to continue anchoring newscasts that reported on her husband’s crimes.
After divorcing Kandel in 2014, Burke left WNEP-TV in 2016. She later wrote a memoir titled Just Checking Scores: TV Anchor Publicly Shamed by Husband’s Secret Life, where she opened up about her experience dealing with public humiliation and rebuilding her life. Currently, Burke manages her own communications firm, offering media and public relations services, and has also been a national media specialist for Geisinger Health System.
Marisa Burke Age
Marisa Burke was born in October 1960, making her 63 years old as of 2024.
Marisa Burke Nationality/Ethnicity
Marisa Burke is of American nationality and white ethnicity​.
Marisa Burke Educational Background
Marisa Burke pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism and Communications at Ithaca College’s Roy H. Park School of Communications in New York. During her time at Ithaca, she was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Rho Honor Society, which recognizes excellence in broadcasting and media-related fields.
Marisa Burke Career
Marisa Burke’s career as a broadcast journalist began in the early 1980s when she started working at WHLM AM/FM radio in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. She later transitioned to television and joined WNEP-TV in April 1990, where she would spend over 26 years. As one of the lead news anchors and producers at WNEP-TV, Burke became a familiar face in Pennsylvania homes. She played a significant role in producing and anchoring the 6 PM weekday newscast, consistently captivating the audience with her skill in storytelling and journalism.
One of Burke’s notable achievements came in 2005 when she received the Edward R. Murrow Award, a national accolade recognizing outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. This was followed by her being named Broadcaster of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters in 2017. These honors reflected her ability to not only deliver the news but also engage viewers in meaningful and impactful ways during her long tenure at WNEP-TV.
In 2016, after nearly three decades at WNEP, Burke accepted a buyout and shifted her focus to other professional pursuits. She ventured into public relations and communications, founding her own company, Marisa Burke Communications, LLC. Her company specialized in media relations, brand storytelling, writing, and content development, helping organizations enhance their visibility and reputation through strategic communication efforts.
In 2017, Burke took on the role of National Media Specialist at Geisinger Health System, a large health services organization serving Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In this position, she played a crucial role in managing media relations and securing significant media attention for Geisinger’s medical and research efforts. She achieved over $30 million in advertising revenue equivalency through national media coverage from outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, further proving her prowess in media strategy and communications.
Burke’s career continued to evolve when, in 2022, she became the Group Director of News and Content for Waypoint Media, a media company where she oversees content strategy and development. In addition to this role, Burke has been involved in training aspiring journalists, reflecting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of news professionals. She also travels to promote her memoir, Just Checking Scores: TV Anchor Publicly Shamed by Husband’s Secret Life, sharing lessons from her career and personal experiences with audiences across the country.
Overall, Burke’s career has been marked by resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to journalism and communications. From her years in local news to her work in media relations and public relations, she has continued to shape the media landscape while maintaining a deep connection to her community and profession​.
Read Also: Damola Adamolekun Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Net Worth, Salary, Education, Career, Wife, Parents
Marisa Burke Book
Marisa Burke has written one known book, her memoir titled Just Checking Scores: TV Anchor Publicly Shamed by Husband’s Secret Life. This 221-page book, published in December 2021, details her personal and professional struggles after her then-husband, Mark Kandel, was arrested for inappropriate behavior with minors. In the memoir, Burke shares how the public scandal impacted her career as a prominent TV anchor and how she navigated the personal trauma while continuing her career in journalism​.
Marisa Burke Awards and Recognitions
Marisa Burke has received several notable awards and recognitions throughout her career, particularly during her time as a prominent news anchor at WNEP-TV. These include:
- Edward R. Murrow Award (2005) – A prestigious national recognition in the field of electronic journalism, honoring her outstanding contributions as a broadcast journalist​.
- Broadcaster of the Year (2017) – Awarded by the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, this recognition acknowledged her long-standing excellence in journalism and her influence in the Pennsylvania media landscape.
Marisa Burke Husband, Controversy and Divorce
Marisa Burke was married to Mark Kandel, a former educator and Scranton School Board director. The marriage, which initially appeared solid, faced a major upheaval in 2012 when Kandel was arrested for sending inappropriate text messages to underage boys.
This led to public scrutiny and a subsequent trial. Kandel pleaded guilty to one count of online enticement of minors and was sentenced to over 14 years in federal prison in 2013. In 2014, Burke divorced Kandel, effectively ending their marriage​.
Marisa Burke Daughters
Marisa Burke has two daughters, Rachael and Sarah, who were significantly affected by the public scandal surrounding their father, Mark Kandel. Despite the difficult circumstances, both daughters have been thriving. Rachael, the older of the two, celebrated her 28th birthday in January 2024. She pursued higher education and, in earlier years, was a junior in college. Sarah, younger by two years, has a strong interest in the arts and attended a theater conservatory in New York City, from which she was preparing to graduate.
Marisa Burke Net Worth
Marisa Burke has an estimated net worth of $3.5 million as of 2024.
Marisa Burke Social Media Presence
Marisa Burke maintains a presence on social media, where she engages with her audience and shares updates about her professional life. One of her known social media handles is her Instagram account, @maburkeinco.
FAQs
Who is Marisa Burke?
Marisa Burke is a former news anchor and producer at WNEP-TV in Pennsylvania. She worked at the station for over 30 years and is now a communications specialist and author.
What happened to Marisa Burke’s career at WNEP-TV?
Marisa Burke left WNEP-TV in 2016 after accepting a buyout following a long career as a lead anchor and producer. She now runs her own communications company and continues to work in media relations.
Did Marisa Burke write a book?
Yes, she wrote a memoir titled Just Checking Scores: TV Anchor Publicly Shamed by Husband’s Secret Life, published in 2021, which recounts her experiences during her ex-husband’s criminal trial and its impact on her life and career.
What led to Marisa Burke’s public scandal?
The scandal emerged when her then-husband, Mark Kandel, was arrested in 2012 for sending inappropriate messages to minors. The public nature of the case affected her career and personal life significantly.
Has Marisa Burke remarried?
As of now, Marisa Burke has not remarried since her divorce from Mark Kandel in 2014.
Where does Marisa Burke live now?
Marisa Burke currently divides her time between Colorado and Pennsylvania, where she continues her professional work and cares for her elderly mother.
What is Marisa Burke doing professionally today?
After leaving WNEP-TV, Burke started her own media communications company, offering services in media relations, writing, editing, and content development.
