Adrian Ephraim
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
LinkedIn,
Medium,
Independent Online,
The South African,
AllAfrica,
Eyewitness News,
Daily Maverick,
Mail & Guardian,
BizNews.com,
ITWeb
and
Covers:
Business, Tech, Telecoms, News, Sport, Human interest, Travel, Lifestyle
Doesn't Cover:
Politics
Journalist | Editor | Digital media | My exes include: @TechCabal @TheSAnews @ewnupdates @mailandguardian @IOL
muckrack.com/adrian-ephraim
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
A reporter for Anglican News - a Christian publication. Then I became an entertainment columnist for the Sunday Times Extra (remember them?)
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, many times.
How is social media changing news?
It's changed everything. The immediacy, credibility, and originality of news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent?
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's a life choice. You can't separate life and career. Being a journalist means taking responsibility for the stories you put out there.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Don't recall
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
A polite (and short) email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google Trends, WordPress, Grammarly, Slack, Whatsapp, Otter
What's your favorite social network?
"Favourite" is a description, but Facebook is the one I spend the most time on.
Who do you wish followed you?
Christiane Amanpour
Why did you become a journalist?
To change the world! Or at least have an impact on African society by being a conduit for the voiceless and oppressed.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope. Our high school didn't have one.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Too many to choose, but the 438 game when SA beat the Aussies at the Wanderers in 2006 would be a highlight.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be patient. Don't try to be great, just be great at what you can do right now. Learn the basics and aim for the stars with every story.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Can't remember now.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Someone who didn't even pitch a story, but sent a crap story in a pdf.
What's your favorite drink?
Creme Soda
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In front of a TV, or on my phone. Or reading a book.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New Frame, FT, Vox, The Atlantic, The Athletic
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That's it's always fun and no real hard work. Fun, yes. But also hard work and long hours. But fun.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.