What was your first job as a journalist?
Covering local issues in Speyer back in 1984 when I have been 16 year of age for the newspaper Tagespost in the city of Speyer am Rhein.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I have used a typewrite back in 1984 when I have started my career as journalist.
How is social media changing news?
I guess we are always in some kind of rush. May we should slow down once and a while.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Georg Orwell
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.
In pursuance of this duty, the journalist shall at all times defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and of the right of fair comment and criticism.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
and smile
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Global, multinational, open minded, lovely, experienced
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I do use all different kind of available tools which are provided by the media outlets I am working for.
What's your favorite social network?
My favorite social network is Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
I do believe Amy Goodman from Democracy Now! She is an excellent, wonderful and brave journalist.
Why did you become a journalist?
Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, sharing news without frontiers.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I have been working for our high school newspaper. I have been writing articles and taking photographs.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Writing about my colleague Amy Goodman from Democracy NOW! and reporting from Sweden in 2008 for Television and Radio.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Respect for the truth, human rights, fair reporting and to love people, animals and nature. Stay open minded, talk with many people.
When's the best time to pitch you?
About 10 a..m in the mourning.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Covering and to work as journalist at the G8 summit in Heiigendamm in Germany in 2007.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
False accusation related to quite serious affairs on a regional level.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee and tea.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At the beach or may close to a forest with my dog walking and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman her team on www.democracynow.org
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Some people might be thinking I am working only on local levels but I am working as a global citizen and covering stories worldwide.
