Craig Paton
Verified
As seen in:
PA Media,
MSN,
MSN Australia,
MSN Canada,
MSN India,
MSN Ireland,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN Philippines,
MSN Singapore,
MSN UK,
Daily Mail
and
Covers:
News, Politics, Elections
Deputy political editor in Holyrood for @PA - ex @DumbartonReport + @EveningExpress - @StirUni graduate - Views my own. "Chris Patton" - Jeane Freeman
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Working as a student at the University newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, but they do interest me. Something old school like that would always be fun to use.
How is social media changing news?
It allows people to contact and interact with journalists. That means we are being held to account and that we have many more sources.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You're a public servant, pure and simple. It's up to you to inform the public, if you entertain them then that's a nice by-product.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I don't have a particular preference, if the story interests me or I think it would be good for the readers, then I'll take it on.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Pen and paper are my favourites. But I do use Word and InDesign.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter, there seems to be a lot more news around there.
Who do you wish followed you?
Donald Trump. He only follows 42 people, and I love the idea of him liking or retweeting something I've said.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I want to make sure that people understand what is actually happening. We have an obligation, and we have to fulfil it.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A story about Peter Mackay, who left a decorated military career to move to Africa, where he became a campaigner for African liberation.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Well I am one myself, but I suppose I would say be tenacious, be ethical and never drop your own standards.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime!
What's your favorite drink?
Coke/Pepsi. I drink gallons of the stuff.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Usually on my phone, doing the things that I would be doing on a computer!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I don't know that I have one, I prefer Digg. Lots of publications in one place.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That student newspapers are PR outlets for universities.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.