This month, we caught up with CBS6 News co-anchor Julie Bragg. This broadcast journalist, wife, and mom was born and raised in Richmond. Today she’s at the news desk with partner Lorenzo Hall for WTVR’s five and five-thirty programs.
The position is a welcome home of sorts, as Julie took a respite from the news world to work on a very special project with her husband of nine years, Ben. That would be their son, Luke, now three. “After my son was born, I took some time off to work in the nonprofit world for Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic and MEDARVA,” said Julie. “I am honored to be able to return to the anchor desk, and I can honestly say it just feels right to be back in the studio.”
Julie knew from the get-go that the world of broadcast was the place for her. “I was lucky enough to be chosen to be one of Channel 6’s For Kids’ Sake Ambassadors,” said Julie, who went on to major in mass communication at James Madison University and worked in Martinsville and Roanoke before returning to Richmond and her family.
Julie says the most rewarding part of her job at CBS6 is the bond that has developed with co-workers. “We are a family. It is absolutely a pleasure to come to work each day. My bosses truly care about each of us, both professionally and personally,” said Julie. “They have helped this mom find that all-important work/life balance.”
Keep reading if you’d like to know even more about one of Richmond’s most popular news personalities – Julie Bragg.
Mountains or beach?
Beach during the off-season when it’s not so crowded. You almost feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
Dogs or cats?
I have to say both – we have one of each. A dog named Captain Jack and a cat named K.C. They are both rescue animals and bring so much joy to our family.
What book is on your nightstand right now?
Just Me and My Mom, the Little Critter book by Mercer Mayer. My book collection and my son’s are one and the same these days. We do a lot of reading, and he has books in just about every room of the house.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what food would you want to grow on trees?
Ice cream. Maybe something with peanut butter, so I could at least have a little protein.
Same island – what’s the one tech gadget you would want with you?
Even though I’m assuming there would be no service, I’d still have to say my iPhone so I could listen to music, look at my photos, and even document my stay with pictures and video — to show on the news once I had been rescued, of course! Oh, and one of those solar cell phone chargers. Do those really work, anyway?
What’s the last song you downloaded on your iPod?
“Music from the Hit TV Show,” by The Fresh Beat Band. Of course, I downloaded it for my son, but I have to admit I like those Fresh Beats. My husband and I actually spent our ninth anniversary at the concert in Richmond in September with our little guy, who was two at the time. He loved it and it was one of our best anniversaries yet.
Favorite Richmond restaurant for the whole family?
Anna’s Italian Restaurant in Chesterfield is the one place my son will always eat. He loves “Anna’s sketti.” So far, no one else’s compares… even Mom’s.
When you have a sitter?
We love to celebrate extra special occasions at Ruth’s Chris.
What is your favorite way to spend a rainy Sunday?
We like to spend time at home as a family, cooking in the kitchen, cuddling up and watching fun kids’ movies, and building lots of forts.
What is your energy source?
Laughter. That may sound silly, but that’s when I feel most full of energy… when I’m laughing with family, friends, and co-workers.
Ultimate family day outing?
Start the day visiting with the animals at the Metro Richmond Zoo, and then take a break for lunch and a nap for the little guy. Then, hit The Diamond for a Flying Squirrels game. That stop would have to include a hot dog and a few laps around the ballpark until we secure a visit with both Nutzy and Zinger.
Readers will be surprised to know…
I was only fifteen when I first walked into the CBS6 studios to be a part of a Saturday morning “For Kids’ Sake” show in the late eighties. That defining moment set the course for my life. I decided I wanted to be a news anchor and through my work, I met my husband. Now, we have been blessed with a wonderful child, and my life is what I always hoped and dreamed it would be.
