Amit Khan

Social media has fundamentally reshaped how news is produced, distributed, and consumed. It has accelerated the speed of information, allowing stories to reach global audiences in real time, often before traditional outlets can respond. At the same time, it has blurred the line between verified journalism and unverified content. While it amplifies diverse voices and perspectives, it also increases the risk of misinformation and fragmented public understanding. In this environment, the role of journalism becomes even more important—not just to report quickly, but to provide context, verification, and accountability. Social media has not replaced journalism; it has raised the standard for what responsible journalism must do.

My favorite fictional journalist is Mikael Blomkvist from Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. What I admire most about him is his relentless commitment to investigative truth, even when facing personal and professional ruin. His work with Millennium magazine mirrors the high stakes of modern digital infrastructure and corporate transparency—themes that I often find myself exploring in my own technology policy writing

One that always stands out is #BreakingNews being used for the most ordinary things—like “my phone battery is low” or “I just made tea.” The contrast between serious journalism language and everyday life makes it unintentionally funny, especially when it shows up in completely non-news situations.

I prefer concise, well-structured email pitches that clearly explain the story idea, its relevance, and why it matters to a broader audience. Strong pitches are grounded in evidence, offer a clear angle, and connect to themes such as technology policy, digital infrastructure, or the social impact of emerging technologies. I value transparency, credible sources, and practical insights over promotional language. A short summary, key points, and relevant data are always helpful.

LinkedIn is my favorite social network. I find it the most useful for professional writing, connecting with editors and journalists, and following serious discussions around media, publishing, and public issues. It also helps me share my articles in a more structured way and reach people who are actually interested in long-form ideas and reporting. I use Facebook and Instagram more casually, but LinkedIn is where my work and professional growth really connect.

Editors and journalists who actively commission or shape stories in outlets I aim to write for—especially those working in international publications where strong, grounded reporting on South Asian society, technology, and public life is valued. More than numbers, I’m interested in the right kind of attention: people who engage with meaningful ideas and are open to new contributors and perspectives.

No, I didn’t work for my high school newspaper.

The story I’m most proud of is my piece published in ABC News (Religion & Ethics) titled “Every Friday in Bangladesh, a contradiction unfolds in plain sight.” It was also later featured in Independent Australia. What made it especially meaningful is that it was additionally highlighted in the international research platform ICLRS (Religlaw) main news section, which gave the work a wider academic and global context. The article examined how Friday prayers in Bangladesh intersect with everyday public life—not only as a religious practice, but as something that shapes work schedules, social behavior, and the rhythm of public space.

Morning time at 10 am to 12 pm and nighttime from 10 pm to 1 am

The best pitch I’ve received was one that didn’t just send a topic—it clearly showed a strong news angle, why it mattered right now, and how it connected to real people. It also stood out because the writer had done their homework on the publication. They weren’t just sending a generic idea; they explained why it was a good fit for that specific outlet, and they included a short, focused outline with a credible source or data point to support the story. What made it even better was the tone—it was confident but not pushy, and it made collaboration feel easy rather than transactional.

The worst pitch I ever received was a generic, mass-blasted email promoting a localized product that had zero relevance to my beat. It wasn't just the lack of research—it was the fact that the sender followed up three times in 48 hours without even getting my name right. In the world of technology policy and digital infrastructure, precision is everything. A pitch that fails to respect the journalist’s focus or time is a missed opportunity for meaningful storytelling

Fruit juice is my favorite—especially fresh seasonal ones. It feels lighter and more refreshing. But I also like hot coffee when I’m working or thinking through ideas, so both have their place depending on the moment.

When I’m not at a computer, I’m usually outside observing everyday life—walking through local streets, sitting in tea stalls, or just quietly people-watching. I also enjoy exploring nearby places, especially markets and public spaces, where I can see how ordinary conversations and small moments reflect bigger social stories.

One common misperception is that writing about technology, society, or public life is mostly about reporting “big events” or breaking news. In reality, a lot of the work is about understanding slow, everyday changes—how policies, platforms, or cultural shifts quietly shape people’s lives over time. Another is that these topics are purely technical or abstract. In fact, they’re deeply human. The real story is usually about how ordinary people experience those changes in their daily routines, relationships, and decisions.