Award winning journalist Julie Mintenko graduated from the Broadcasting Program in 2003 at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta and then spent several years in Lloydminster where she worked as an anchor, reporter and creative writer for Newcap TV and Radio before joining Global Saskatoon in August of 2007.
Along with anchoring news on the weekend for Global Saskatoon, Julie spent four years reporting from the field, covering everything from politics to health care to crime, but it’s the personal stories that Julie enjoyed covering the most.
“The stories I have always been most passionate about are those that are so very personal, the kind of stories that are often heartbreaking to watch, but at the same time so important to tell.”
One of those stories was about a local family whose child was born with Tay-Sachs - a rare and fatal genetic disease.
“It was incredibly hard to see such a young child robbed of his body movements, and any chance at developing or living beyond a few years of age. But at the same time, we were able to bring to light a disease that many had never heard of, and talk about the option of genetic screening for all kinds of disorders for couples thinking of becoming parents.”
In a Global News exclusive, Julie uncovered a two-tier taxi rate system where customers in wheelchairs were being charged more than other customers simply because they required a wheelchair lift.
“Thanks to a brave local citizen who spoke up and shared their story with me, our city introduced a by-law. Now there is no extra-charge to wheelchair bound taxi customers, a move that was applauded and very much supported by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.”
Julie’s story on how inaccessible Saskatoon is for those in wheelchairs was recognized by RTDNA Canada, the Association of Electronic Journalists, on April 14, 2012, winning the Adrienne Clarkson Award – Diversity, for the Prairie Region. The award is given to the story or series in the region that best exemplifies or explores an issue of diversity.
A Global feature series that meant a lot to Julie was one on Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, which affects so many families in our community.
“We often only hear about research once there is a promising study or discovery. But for this story, we were able to introduce our viewers to the dedicated researchers working in Saskatoon and hear the specifics of their work, and how important it is to them to find a cure for these families who are suffering.”
Now with her move to regular anchoring duties, Julie is looking forward to having a one-on-one conversation with viewers about the stories that most impact their day.
“To me this is what news is about. It's about your next-door neighbor, it's about a family that reminds you of your own, it's about everyday people who have a story to tell and these stories can often help others, touch others, inform others, and make a difference in our community. News is about you, and I am excited and humbled to be the one who shares that conversation with you each and every weeknight.”
You can watch Julie Monday to Friday as she brings you the Evening News @ 6, Prime News @ 10 and News Final @ 11.
You can also follow Julie on Twitter.
Global Saskatoon is broadcast in high definition on channel 42 (virtual channel 4.1), Shaw Cable 211 and SaskTel Max 305. In standard definition, Global Saskatoon is aired on Shaw Cable 3, Shaw Direct 337, Bell ExpressVu 236 and SaskTel Max 5.
© Shaw Media Inc., 2012. All rights reserved.