Chez Chesak
(He/Him)
As seen in:
MSN,
Issuu,
USA TODAY 10Best,
Los Angeles Times,
The Extra Mile (AAA),
Matador Network,
Fodor's Travel,
Fatherly,
Cruise Critic (U.S.),
Yoga Journal
and
Covers:
outdoor, adventure, adventure travel, family travel, spirits
ED of OWAA.org, SATW volunteer, and travel writer. Avid skier (when I can), hiker, writer, and football fan. Proud dad. Iraq vet. Hoo-ah! Habitual gadabout.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Times Free Press, Ayer Massachusetts, Reporter/Photographer. 1993.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
LONG ago...
How is social media changing news?
Oh man, there isn't enough space here. It's truly a double-edged sword, for sure. Lots of benefits - and lots of things wrong with it too.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Me. :-)
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Someone who seeks out, and shares, the truth.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I don't follow hashtags.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By wise people who know me and know what I cover.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Um... Muckrack? :-) I mean, all of them.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn was, but that's getting spammy now too... Google perhaps? :-)
Who do you wish followed you?
The planet.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love telling stories. Always have.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I started too, but was too busy with classes, sports, job, etc.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Join a good association and then work it from every angle possible - including attending in person events.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early/mid-morning and always via email.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A drive market destination pitched new outdoor product launching in their downtown.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
There have been many but, just from the subject line in the email, they're quickly deleted.
What's your favorite drink?
Bourbon. No, Vodka. No, a GOOD chocolate shake. Wait, a fresh fruit smoothie in Ecuador. No, wait... a good rum...
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outdoors.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
NYT, WaPo... is Apple News a 'publication'?
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Most high-end/lux hotels that suddenly add a few SUP's are now suddenly going to be a fit for outdoor/adventure travel.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.