Photos courtesy of Scott Hetsko
Che of The Town from Rochester works for actor Che Holloway
You first met Che in Rochester works for actor Che Holloway, an impromptu interview and amble through the Neighborhood of the Arts.
An aspiring and successful actor, Che is deeply immersed in the Rochester cultural scene. So much so, we’ve named him Che of The Town!
Exclusively for Talker, Che has solicited and is conducting interviews from about 60 Rochestarians working in a diversity of creative fields.
For the full series, see Che of The Town: Interviews
Che has featured many members of the local media including
radio personality Scott “Fitz” Fitzgerald, radio personality Chris Konya, creators of The Rochestariat, Stefanie and Jason Schwingle, journalist Hélène Biandudi Hofer, journalist Jennifer Johnson, journalist Nikki Rudd journalist Norma Holland, journalist Alexis Arnold, and journalist Ginny Ryan.
Today Che adds Scott Hetsko to the list.
Scott Hetsko; A Prominent Meterologist Within The Community
Tell us a little about yourself, where you are from, grew up, what H.S./College you attended etc.
I was born in Scranton PA which is located near the Pocono Mountains in the Northeast part of the state. I live there through much of my 20’s as I earned two college degrees. My first degree was in broadcasting and then I completed my Meteorology degree from Penn State University in 1999. Scranton was a great place to grow up! I had tons of friends in my neighborhood which was middle to lower middle class. The house I grew in was tiny, under 1000 square feet. Never felt that way to me and my two older brothers.
What inspired you to be a broadcaster? Early experiences worth sharing?
My desire to be in television goes WAYYYY back to when I was 10 years old. Every day I watched the all 3 local stations for the weather. I have been predicting weather for 30+ years but only professionally for 20 of them! My first job came at a little radio station in Scranton called LITE 105 FM. I learned how to be a broadcaster by doing weekend shows for years while going to school.
Talk about a time where you have faced adversity/conflict and have triumphed.
Everyone has had difficult times. My most difficult time was recently with a long and serious battle with heart disease. I developed a near fatal heart infection with did permanent damage to my heart in 2009. After having a pacemaker installed, I was able to live with my disease until 2015. That year my heart became so ill that I began to wait for a heart transplant in June of 2015. Being a person who is known in town was difficult while dealing with my uncertain future. Luckily and amazingly, I now have a new heart and I’m back to the best fitness of my life! I always remained optimistic during my ordeal.
What do you believe sets you apart from other broadcasters?
I’m known for my charisma and accuracy in forecasting. When I first began in Rochester back in December 1999, there really wasn’t anyone doing weather broadcasting the way I do. I think it is important to be yourself and if the audience likes you then you’ll be successful!
Do you have other interests or hobbies?
I’m big on spending as much time as I can with my family! My lifespan is perhaps more uncertain than most people so I tend to focus on enjoying as many experiences as I can with my wife and 3 kids. I’m a HUGE New York Yankee, Viking fan. I love to golf when I can as well.
Any projects you have out or currently working on?
Matt Molloy and I do a daily LIVE show on 13wham.com. It’s a different way to do a newscast and we hope it catches on.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
Over the next 5 years I hope to be working right where I am at 13 WHAM. Our business is changing quickly as people find other ways and devices to get their entertainment and news. We are adapting with them and we expect to be on more digital highways over the next few years. I love what I do each night and hope to be doing that as long as I can.
What advice would you give to aspiring broadcasters?
My best advice to students or young professionals entering this business is to become indispensable! Be so good and positive in your work that your boss would never dream of letting you go! Take all the advice you can from people before you! They have been where you are now and know how to reach the next level.
How can we follow along in your journey? Social media?
You can follow me on TWITTER: @scotthetsko or search me on Facebook and Instagram.
SEE ALSO
