What was your first job as a journalist?
Translations
How is social media changing news?
Speed of Information, Access to Diverse Sources, Audience Engagement. Overall, while social media offers exciting opportunities for journalism, it also requires adaptability and a commitment to accuracy in an ever-evolving landscape.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Aliyu Tanko, Head of BBC Hausa.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means seeking, verifying, and sharing truthful, compelling stories with the public. It’s about shedding light on events, people, and issues that matter, often acting as a bridge between information and the audience's understanding.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
"I prefer to be pitched through concise, well-researched emails that highlight the key elements of the story. I appreciate pitches that include a clear angle, relevant statistics, and any potential sources or interviews that could enrich the piece. It’s also helpful to understand why the story is timely and relevant to our audience. If possible, a brief phone call to discuss the pitch can provide more context and allows for an engaging conversation about the story's potential.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
As a journalist, I rely on a variety of tools and software to help me effectively gather, organize, and share information. Key tools include:1. Writing and Editing Software: Programs like Microsoft Word and Google Docs are essential for drafting and editing articles, allowing for easy collaboration with editors and colleagues.2. Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with platforms like WordPress or Drupal is crucial for publishing articles online and managing website content.3. Research Tools: I use online databases, academic journals, and fact-checking websites to gather reliable information. Tools like Evernote or OneNote help me organize my research.4. Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are invaluable for staying updated on news trends, engaging with sources, and promoting my stories.5. Audio and Video Editing Software: Programs like Audacity for audio editing or Adobe Premiere for video help me create multimedia content to enrich my stories.6. Photography Tools: Familiarity with camera equipment and editing software like Adobe Photoshop is important for visual storytelling.7. Data Journalism Tools: Tools like Excel, Tableau, and Google Analytics allow me to analyze data and create compelling visualizations.These tools enhance my ability to produce accurate, engaging, and timely content while adapting to the evolving landscape of journalism.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d love for more people directly affected by the issues I cover to follow me. Whether it’s individuals in communities I report on or experts in fields I’m passionate about.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and the power of information. I believe that journalism plays a crucial role in society by holding those in power accountable and giving a voice to the voiceless.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The story I’m most proud of is one that gave a voice to those often unheard. Knowing that my work contributed to positive change and brought attention to important issues reminded me why I became a journalist in the first place.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay Curious and Ask Questions, Prioritize Accuracy and Ethics, Embrace New Media Skills, Be Resilient and Open to Feedback, and make sure you stay imformed.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever received was for a story that was completely irrelevant to my beat. It was a lengthy email filled with jargon and no real angle or news value, essentially trying to sell me a product rather than pitch a story. It demonstrated a lack of understanding about what I cover and the interests of my audience.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
If I'm not reporting, you’ll probably find me exploring new places or reading to keep my perspective broad.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
As a journalist, I admire publications that push boundaries in storytelling and investigative reporting. BBC and Dailytrust often set a high standard with their in-depth analyses and global perspectives.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat is that it’s either all glamorous or entirely negative. People often assume that every story involves high-stakes drama or that we’re just looking for problems to expose. In reality, there’s a lot of nuance. Covering my beat often means digging into complex issues, listening to different perspectives, and finding the human stories within the facts.
