Tar Heel Traveler Publishes Second Book
Scott Mason, of Washington and Lee’s Class of 1984, also known to his WRAL viewers in Raleigh, N.C., as the Tar Heel Traveler, has published his second book: “Tar Heel Traveler Eats: Food Journeys across North Carolina” (Globe Pequot Press). Like his first book, 2010’s “Tar Heel Traveler: Journeys Across North Carolina,” it’s based on his travels along the back roads of North Carolina, “where he meets memorable characters, finds out-of-the-way places, and unearths fascinating historical footnotes,” as he notes on his website.
The TV series is so popular that Scott now produces quarterly “Tar Heel Traveler” half-hour specials. He has won dozens of awards for documentaries, writing and feature reporting, including three National Edward R. Murrow awards and multiple regional Emmys. In both 2004 and 2005, the Electronic News Association of the Carolinas named him the North Carolina Television Reporter of the Year.
After graduating from Washington and Lee, where he majored in journalism and communications, Scott worked as a reporter and bureau chief for network affiliates in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Dayton, Ohio. At the PBS station in Richmond, he oversaw and hosted the “Virginia Currents” weekly news show.
In 1997, Scott joined WRAL-TV, the CBS affiliate in Raleigh, N.C., as the station’s documentary producer. He created nine documentaries before moving to the news desk as a features reporter.
He is pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing at Queens University of Charlotte. Scott lives in Raleigh with his wife, Nina, daughters Lane and Genie, and son Scout.
You can read an excerpt from his book at TheTarHeelTraveler.com.
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