Mitchell Hartman

Correspondent

SHORT BIO

Mitchell’s most important job at Marketplace is to explain the economy in ways that non-expert, non-business people can understand. Michell thinks of his audience as anyone who works, whether for money or not, and lives in the economy . . . which is most people.

Mitchell wants to understand, and help people understand, how the economy works, who it helps, who it hurts and why. Mitchell gets to cover what he thinks are some of the most interesting aspects of the economy: wages and inflation, consumer psychology, wealth inequality, economic theory and how it measures up to economic reality.

Mitchell was a high school newspaper nerd and a college newspaper editor. He has worked for The Philadelphia Inquirer, WXPN-FM, WBAI-FM, KPFK-FM, Pacifica Radio, the CBC, the BBC, Monitor Radio, Cairo Today Magazine, The Jordan Times, The Middletown Press, The New Haven Register, Oregon Business Magazine, the Reed College Alumni Magazine, and Marketplace (twice — 1994-2001 & 2008-present).

Mitchell has gone on strike (Newspaper Guild vs. Knight Ridder, Philadelphia, 1985) and helped organize a union (with SAG-AFTRA at Marketplace, 2021-23). Mitchell once interviewed Marcel Marceau and got him to talk.

Latest Stories (2,010)

IRS fighting UBS on bank secrecy

Mar 4, 2009
A Senate committee is holding a hearing on whether Swiss bank UBS's adherence to international bank secrecy is helping wealthy U.S. citizens avoid income tax. Mitchell Hartman reports what Swiss defenders are saying.

Can small biz owners dodge new tax?

Feb 27, 2009
President Obama wants to finance health care reform by rolling back tax cuts and deductions for people earning more than $250,000. Mitchell Hartman reports whether that tax increase will punish small businesses.

Business franchises defaulting big time

Feb 24, 2009
In this downturn, franchisees are defaulting on loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration in record amounts. That could have a huge impact on franchise lending in the future. Mitchell Hartman reports.

Who consumer protection plans benefit

Feb 23, 2009
First Hyundai let laid-off consumers give their cars back within a year of purchase. Now Toll Brothers will cover six months of mortgage payments for homeowners who lose their jobs. Who really benefits from these plans? Mitchell Hartman reports.

Combining love and work is an art

Feb 13, 2009
Hand crafters Michael Wood and Mona Harris met through work and fell in love, and eventually started working together. Mitchell Hartman reports to keep such a relationship healthy, you've got to be crafty.

Bankrupt stores can still sell their name

Feb 12, 2009
Several big retail chains have been going bust in this economy, with Circuit City and Mervyn's the latest to fall. But some companies are willing to spend some money on a still valuable brand name. Mitchell Hartman reports.

Close check on child-product chemicals

Feb 10, 2009
A new U.S. law in effect today says child products can't contain more than one-tenth of 1 percent phthalates, a plastic-softening chemical. Congress passed it after last year's recalls of Chinese-made toys. Mitchell Hartman reports.

Mr. Clean goes from kitchen to car wash

Feb 5, 2009
Mr. Clean is getting a second job. Procter & Gamble is planning to expand its Mr. Clean Car Wash franchise nationwide. But is it that a good idea in this recession? Mitchell Hartman reports.

House on small business health care

Feb 4, 2009
Today a House committee will explore the challenge small businesses face to cover their employees. Some reformers want to mandate employers provide insurance or pay into a government fund. Mitchell Hartman reports.

Commission delays lead testing in toys

Feb 2, 2009
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has delayed testing and certification requirements for lead content in children's toys and other products for a year. Tess Vigeland speaks with reporter Mitchell Hartman about the impacts of the delay.