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Christopher Wiggins on Muck Rack

Christopher Wiggins

Verified
(He/Him)
Washington, D.C.
Covers:  Criminal Justice, LGBTQ+ Culture/Issues, Breaking News, Racial & Social Justice, Education, Politics, Entertainment, Travel, Medicine
Doesn't Cover: Finance, Sports, Gaming
Senior National Reporter @TheAdvocateMag - No longer posting here on Twitter. See me at @cwnewser.bsky.social — Federal whistleblowers my Signal is cwdc.98

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

I was an intern turned employee as an assignment editor and field producer at the CBS News affiliate WTVR (CBS 6) in Richmond, Virginia

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Absolutely, but not one that didn't have a delete key; white-out is something I've only heard about.

How is social media changing news?

Well, it's an amazing way to inform masses in a split second; but, it's dangerous because it's also a rumor mill that produces "truth".

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

Murphy Brown

What does it mean to be a journalist?

Recognizing your duty - explain a story, in context with accuracy and integrity. Appreciating the access to history and people others don't.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

I get a kick out of seeing #Breaking in front of almost every story. #GaySpock was the funniest last week (May 16, 2013).

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

I don't care how you pitch me a story, so long as you're not ginning up something that isn't there.

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

Intuition, curiosity, skepticism, adrenaline, Social Flow, great relationships, and a whole bunch of gadgets, and 1 notebook with a sharpie.

What's your favorite social network?

Twitter

Who do you wish followed you?

I care about people who trust me as their information source to follow me. And then there's Kerry Washington, Tom Brokaw, Rachel Maddow.

Why did you become a journalist?

Honestly, I was a kid and saw all these SAT and ENG trucks and reflectors and lights and thought "wow I want to tell stories like them."

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

Yes for my high school newspaper I was a reporter, a copy editor, photographer, we had printing presses, so I even printed the paper once.

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

Two: 1) The DC Sniper & you won't let me answer why b/c of space. 2) The honor of being White House Pool Correspondent for Election 2012.

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

Know a little bit about a lot of things, until you know a lot about specific things...and never give up, take any chance however small.

When's the best time to pitch you?

Always

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