Ben Tinsley
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
CANTO TALK RADIO SHOW (Podcast),
LinkedIn,
Medium,
Substack,
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal,
Bluefield Daily Telegraph,
The Bakersfield Californian,
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel,
Washington Times-Herald,
Santa Maria Times
and
Covers:
Mostly police and courts.
Doesn't Cover:
sports
Film actor (Ben Tinsley IMDB). Singer. Comic Book Writer. Black Lives Matter. direct.me/bentinsley
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a contributor to the Tarrant County (Texas) Junior College South Campus newspaper in 1987. My first published byline.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. My father taught me how to type on one. I actually still had my own typewriter up through college.
How is social media changing news?
It has been a game changer. When I was growing up, newspapers and TV and radio controlled the news. Now it's everywhere.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I actually am also a fictional journalist as well as an actual one. A friend of mine wrote me into a superhero fan fiction story.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Responsibility but a lot of fun, too.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I have yet to decide.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Generally, a nicely-worded email is my preferred form of approach.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Computer, Iphone, camera, pen and pad.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
Hundreds of thousands in an unending legion of fans. :-)
Why did you become a journalist?
The first time I ever saw my name in a byline, I was hooked for life. It was instant gratification at its very finest.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I actually got fired from my post as high school editor. I had trouble controlling my temper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Most of my work these days.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stick with it. Learn as much as you can. Work where you can. Eventually, you'll get there if you don't give up.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Since I prefer it in email form, whenever.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.