Kimberly Adams: First Black Woman to Host Marketplace Morning Report

Big news in the world of public radio! American Public Media has announced that Kimberly Adams will be the next host of its flagship weekday program, Marketplace Morning Report. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Adams becomes the first Black woman to lead one of Marketplace’s core shows, bringing her insightful economic analysis to millions of listeners nationwide.

A Voice for the People

Adams, currently serving as senior Washington correspondent and host of the popular podcast Make Me Smart, will officially step into her new role on June 8th. Her decades of experience as a journalist, particularly her focus on translating complex economic policy into everyday impacts, make her a natural fit for this prominent position.

Reflecting on her journey, Adams shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, ‘I grew up in St. Louis, where the economic divides across race, class, and geography were always present and visible. Those lessons have informed my decades of work as a journalist.’ She emphasizes that business and economics news often circles back to fundamental questions of money, power, and access.

Expanding the Conversation

Adams is eager to broaden the scope of economic reporting. ‘I’m looking forward to expanding that remit to include not just what policymakers are doing in Washington, but also what company leaders are doing in boardrooms, what consumers are doing at the grocery store, and what living in this economy means for all kinds of people,’ she explained. This inclusive approach promises to connect with a wider audience.

Before her role as a D.C. correspondent, Adams honed her skills as a freelance journalist, earning accolades from organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists. Her versatility is further demonstrated by her experience as a fill-in host for C-SPAN’s Washington Journal and her board service with the International Women’s Media Foundation.

A Trusted Voice for Economic Understanding

Neal Scarbrough, vice president and general manager at Marketplace, praised Adams’s qualifications, noting her ‘diligent reporting’ and how listeners have embraced her ‘leadership and versatility.’ He highlighted her ability to build an ‘unwavering connection with our audience’ through her sharp economic analysis.

Adams is excited to help listeners navigate the current economic landscape. ‘In this moment of economic transition, it’s vital our community has access to the best journalism about how money is moving in our society,’ she stated. ‘I feel incredibly honored to step into this role at this time to help bring timely and relevant information to the folks who need it most.’