Position: Reporter
Covers: Columbus and the Statehouse
Email: morgan.trau@wews.com
Hometown: Cleveland
Education: Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications (Go Orange!)
Previous Work Experience: Investigative, political and fact-checking reporter in Grand Rapids, Mich. at WZZM-TV; Reporter and MMJ in Spokane, Wash. at KREM-TV. Interned at 60 Minutes, worked for CBS Interactive and PBS NewsHour.
Joined News 5: January 2022
Most Memorable Stories: My continuing coverage of what is referred to as a "censorship" bill — While interviewing a lawmaker about her bill, which would prohibit teaching "divisive concepts" in schools, she brought up how the Holocaust needs to be heard from "both sides." After taking time with the editorial team, we decided to bring the interview to the Anti-Defamation League and a Holocaust museum. That story went international, and we haven't heard anything about the bill since.
Awards/Honors: Best Government/Political Reporting and Best Education Reporting from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists for 2022 coverage, New York State Broadcasters Association for my coverage of racial injustice, Louise Schiavoni Prize, selected in both the Hearst Journalism Awards 2021 and Syracuse Press Club Awards 2021 and became the youngest Take the Lead Ambassador to speak on journalism as a young professional. In college, I was also selected as a Syracuse University Scholar and Newhouse Scholar.
News Philosophy: The news is vital for our democracy and needs to be accessible for all – no matter how difficult the topic.
Role Model: I am lucky to be surrounded by the strong women in my family. Plus, Nellie Bly, who was a pioneer in the investigative journalism world. Learning about her in elementary school allowed me to discover my love for journalism.
Favorite Sports Teams: Cleveland ANYTHING. Plus, the Syracuse Orange.
Favorite Music: Taylor Swift and Fleetwood Mac
Favorite Movie: Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Favorite Program: Veep and House M.D.
Favorite Book: “Sex Object: A Memoir” by Jesssica Valenti or anything by Sylvia Plath, Toni Morrison or Audre Lorde.
Favorite Food: Gluten-free cookie dough
Family: My family is my everything. I have amazing parents, an inspiring older sister and a perfect cat.
Pet: Jinx, a black cat I rescued when I was working in Idaho.
Hobbies & Interests: Anything revolving around art. I love visiting museums and listening to live music. I also enjoy spending time with my loved ones.
You're most likely to see me around town at: I’ll be in Columbus! So, you’ll just see me on the screen ;)
Hidden Talent: I am double-jointed.
Something most people don't know about me: I love video games and spend hours on my Nintendo Switch.
What I like best about Northeast Ohio: Tommy’s milkshakes, Mitchell’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chunk ice cream and the Cleveland Museum of Art
On the weekends I love to: Sleep in and go to brunch with friends!
Additional Info You Want People to Know About You: I am here to answer any questions you have about the upcoming elections. Also, I will always be happy to see photos of your pets!
