Brian Bollen
Verified
Covers:
International institutional finance is my core focus but I have covered a vast range of subjects in my time, including football, athletics and skiing.
Doesn't Cover:
Politics.
muckrack.com/brian-bollen
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Deputy editor of Financial Times Euromarket Letter
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I first used a typewriter in the late 1960s, when one of my siblings was given a toy one (a quite good toy one) as a Christmas present.
How is social media changing news?
Destroying it
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
That is a stupid question
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's better than working for a living
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I don't actually fully know what a 'hashtag' is or understand why people pay so much attention to them
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
In a short and snappy manner; IT pitches, by the way, pretty much stink from beginning to end
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
An iMac, MS Word, Safari, Google and the Mac email programme
What's your favorite social network?
not applicable
Who do you wish followed you?
That is not something I lie awake at night thinking about. In fact, it is not something that I have EVER thought about
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I have a tendency to ask awkward questions and give honest opinions
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was one of the editors of and contributors Steam Whistle, the school newspaper at St Patrick's High School in Coatbridge, central Scotland
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I don't think pride enters into it, other than the pride of doing a good job. I see myself still as a reporter first and foremost
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't bother in today's market. Go and become a plumber, electrician or carpenter
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time you like via email
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Unsolicited pitches are almost with exception rubbish
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
There are so many to choose from I simply could not say
What's your favorite drink?
Cold German-style lager
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Making a cup of coffee (instant Colombian coffee from Aldi)
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Oldie
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
People think I can offer investment advice in terms of buying and selling shares. I can't.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.