Andrew Champagne
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Better Collective,
Yahoo Life,
New York Daily News,
That Was The Week (Podcast),
Yahoo Sports,
NewsBreak,
Paulick Report,
Daily Freeman,
The Saratogian,
The Record (Troy, NY),
America's Best Racing
and
Covers:
Everything from sports betting and horse racing to news from non-profit organizations and institutions of higher learning (I've been LOTS of places!).
Marketing/comms/content-type, horse racing media's version of Joe Hendry ("say his name, and he appears"), decent bowler, and dad joke/Oxford comma enthusiast.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I filled in at my local radio station, WKNY in Kingston, NY, doing morning news and sports updates.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
My dad had one, and I'm very happy technology advanced to where I never had to rely on something like that!
How is social media changing news?
For better or worse, everyone has a platform and can use it in whatever ways they wish.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Lots of Wordpress and Canva, with doses of Google Alerts and Google Analytics.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn has grown on me. I really enjoy seeing what my friends and colleagues are up to and encouraging them to keep doing well.
Why did you become a journalist?
I realized when I was very young that I loved telling stories. Being able to go to sporting events for free was also a nice touch.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I wrote a 600-word recap of a high school football game on deadline in 12 minutes while sitting in the Greenwich High School parking lot.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Get LOTS of hands-on experience. Don't be afraid to fail. Some of your early stuff will be cringeworthy, but it helps you find your voice.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A few have spelled my name wrong in the intro. You have my email address. It's RIGHT THERE.
What's your favorite drink?
You'd think the last name is a clue, but I don't really drink alcohol. Give me an Arnold Palmer or a Coke Zero, and I'm good.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At a nice restaurant with my fiancee or cuddling on my couch with my cat. His name is Elliot, and he's awesome.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Anything written by passionate people who make me think.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.