#MediaMonday – Van Tate
Today’s Media Monday comes to us from KRQE in Albuquerque, N.M., where Van Tate has been covering New Mexico sports for the last 30 years. This fall he will be inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Rocky Mountain Chapter Silver Circle, recognizing and honoring his decades of work in the media.
Van, time to share:
I grew up in Chicago and Hobbs, N.M., and was destined for a journalism career at an early age. While still a child, I would tape record my own version of the news. I called it, “the creepy scary news.” I really forgot all about that until my mother played a recording for me after I got my first job in the business.
I was a business major when I first arrived at the University of New Mexico. I don’t know exactly why I switched to journalism but it was just a natural move. That move has given me a chance to cover the Indy 500, NFL games, bowl games, NCAA tournaments and a long list of other exciting events.
My first job was at KBIM as a news and sports reporter. I moved to WSAV from 1992 to 1993 before moving to KRQE where I have stayed for the last 30 years. I am currently the sports director at KRQE where you can catch me doing sports Monday through Friday on KRQE News 13 and Fox New Mexico. I also have an online sports discussion called, “The Sports Office.” My guest list includes a variety of people from the world of sports from NFL stars, college players, coaches, and even an occasional movie star.
Current NFL player Zach Gentry of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Zach McPhearson of the Philadelphia Eagles have come in for a visit. Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman has also been a guest along with actor Bryan Cranston.
I’ve been fortunate over the years to have been named National Sportswriter and Sportscaster of the Year New Mexico (12-time winner), Albuquerque the Magazine Best of the City Sports Reporter (13-time winner), Associated Press Best Sports (five-time winner), NMBA Best Sports (three-time winner) and soon a member of the NATAS Rocky Mountain Silver Circle.
I love music. I have experience playing four instruments but am mostly known for my singing voice. I also love to bake during my spare time. It is always a sweet treat. Baking is my therapy.
I love baking cookies and cake. Peanut butter cookies are definitely number one with butter cookies a close second. German chocolate cake and cream cheese pound cake are my go-to desserts. I keep balance with the sweets by working out. Exercise is actually a hobby of mine. It’s easier to do these days because we put in a home gym when COVID hit.
So, if you have baking tips and workouts that you like and want to share, I am always open to listen.
