Burnett a rising CNBC star

Jessica Willis of the Berkshire Eagle in Massachusetts profiles CNBC anchor Erin Burnett, who went to nearby Williams College.

Willis writes, “Long gone are the clipped vowels and cool demeanor of anchors past; Burnett might have flawless looks, but she’s not afraid to let loose with a hoarse ‘whaddaya watchin’?’ when she picks a financial adviser’s brain on ‘Street Signs.’

“The cute asides and on-camera ribbing among guests and anchors are encouraged at CNBC, Wald said, but he noted that Burnett’s ability to ‘think like a producer’ and envision the whole package with a clear point of view give her ‘authenticity.’

“It’s that authenticity that appeals to Burnett, who said she loves live journalism for its ability to bring ‘voices into the public dialogue.’

“Although time and space are at a premium in her business, she gets to present faces, voices, pictures and sound to a global audience.”

Read more here.