You may not know her, but you probably know her voice. Julie Walker has spent years in journalism, both on and off camera, and in the Hamptons started her career at LTV and WBEA “Beach” Radio. She’s worked for AP Radio and 1010 WINS, along with other news media, like NY1. And has spent years, both on and off the field, with the Artists Writers Annual Softball Game.
Used to putting the spotlight on others, most true journos — including the multiple award-winner Walker — are hesitant to talk about themselves. It feels, well, weird. But the longtime Sag Harbor resident and past president of the New York Association of Black Journalists took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions.
How did you first become interested in pursuing a path in media and journalism?
I fell in love with journalism as a kid growing up with parents that read the newspaper and watched the news on TV, but it wasn’t until I got to Wellesley College that I began to think of it as a possible career.
Wellesley did not have any journalism classes but believe it or not, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology did, and we were able to take classes at MIT. So that’s what I did. The course was “Politics, TV, and the News.” The professor was a magazine writer in New York who flew in once a week to teach the class and left quite an impression on me.
From there, I went on to work for the school newspaper and the school radio station as a DJ. Unfortunately, Wellesley did not have journalism classes, as I said, so there were few opportunities to move forward. I also became discouraged after a Wellesley alum gave me what I now consider bad advice, so I’m always conscientious now because I don’t think anyone should ever be discouraged from trying to reach their goals.
Was there a particular story or writer/radio journalist that you looked up to or who mentored you?
I did not have a mentor per se. Instead, I had and still have close friends and colleagues who helped and encouraged me along the way and still do. I ended up interning for ABC News in Paris (maybe a little like that Netflix show “Emily in Paris”; only my French was better). That was my first job in journalism, which cemented the career in my mind. When I moved back to the U.S. after about two-and-a-half years, I ended up in Sag Harbor working for LTV and WBEA “Beach” Radio (and bartending on the side). It was longtime Sag Harbor/Noyac resident Peter Jennings who helped convince me to move back to New York City to look for work.
What do you still feel was or is your “biggest” story?
People often ask about my biggest story; I don’t know if I can pick just one. I was talking about this the other day and for so many of us in New York, we thought that September 11 was the biggest story of our lifetime. Then Covid happened. I know people who died from both and it touched me personally and professionally.
I can also say Sandy Hook, which I covered, along with so many big protests, plus countless other stories that I recall that many have never heard of, that were big for me in different ways.
Have you been recognized in the field?
Yes. I’ve won two National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Awards for my radio reporting, and a Magazine Publisher’s Association online award for my “Newsweek on Air” show with David Alpern, another Sag Harbor person.
There was a Journalism Excellence Award for Deadline Reporting for Superstorm Sandy team coverage, more for spot news coverage for September 11 and New Yorker of the Week segments at NY1 news . . . this is off an old resume. [Editor’s note: There were more. A lot more. But we have space limitations here.]
How do you differentiate between written and spoken news?
When I write for radio, I write for the ear. I write so that people can hear what I’m saying but can also see a picture of what I’m saying. It has to be conversational.
One of my print colleagues gave me what I consider the ultimate compliment, he said, “Your writing has such a nice natural flow to it.” I think that’s what it needs for radio more than anything else. I would say we can’t just write the way we speak for print. Also, the best print reporters to me are great wordsmiths and that is a real talent and takes a lot of work if it does not come naturally.
What do you love about what you do, and how do you see journalism changing?
I ask questions. I let truth, my curiosity and compassion guide me. I love asking questions, I love learning, and I love imparting that knowledge to other people. In part I guess that’s why I became a journalist. As you know, our role has changed so much. I still consider myself a true journalist. But the public doesn’t understand the difference between a reporter and someone who write editorials or someone who hosts a news program. And that has caused issues in our profession. But life is not perfect so you deal with it the best way you can, and you try to explain to people the difference, and what you do that makes your reporting different than just an opinion.
You are a past president of the NYABJ — can you tell me a little about its mission and your role there?
I was really proud to serve two terms as New York Association of Black Journalists President. The organization’s mission is to encourage and support the achievement of Black media professionals, both current and upcoming and further accurate coverage of the African Diaspora. One of NYABJ’s signature programs is the student journalism workshop, which continued online through Covid.
And the Deadline Club — you are on the board. What is your mission there?
I am just as proud to now serve on the board of The Deadline Club, which is the New York chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The organization advocates for freedom of the press and fosters career development through its awards, scholarships, workshops, talks and social networking. In addition, we just started a summer high school program.
Tell me about your connection to the East End?
My aunt bought a house in Azurest. So I always went out to Sag Harbor as a child. I remember when the streets were dirt, I guess that’s dating me. I spent my summers in Sag Harbor just like in the book “Sag Harbor” by Colson Whitehead, and my winters in Brooklyn.
During high school and college summers, I was a pool lifeguard at Baron’s Cove and worked at a restaurant at night. For some reason, I feel like all of us kids had two jobs, or was it just me? I didn’t have to have two jobs; I feel like I just did it because everybody else did it.
I spent many years sailing in Sag Harbor with the Breakwater Yacht Club, which I’ve been supporting since we were a trailer on a piece of property in Sag Harbor and I’m pretty proud of the work we do with young women, getting them out on the water. Also I learned to paddle board in Sag Harbor. Actually my neighbor taught me, a wonderful woman who actually owns the Rams Head Inn now. I don’t know if you’ve noticed the theme that I’m all about girl power. (Laughs.)
Then as I mentioned before, as an adult, I moved back to Sag Harbor after Paris and tried to make a living as a journalist. I got involved with the Artists Writers softball games when it was at Mashashimuet Park (and now no longer play but help with the annual charity game).
It was also the first time I spent a winter out there and I loved it. It wasn’t as busy as the winters are now, but it was great. I feel like I have a lot of connection to the East End. I mean, it’s where I’m happiest.
