What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was working in the sports department of the Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa.
How is social media changing news?
It is making it much easier to get your news to a wider audience. It also has made news more immediate.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist means you tell stories that people want or need to hear about.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I think the hashtag is ridiculous because people put it on things they don't agree with, whether the story actually is true or not.
Who do you wish followed you?
Nobody in particular. President Obama followed me on Twitter several years ago. That actually freaked me out. I blocked him!
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I thought it would be exciting and I wanted to change the world. I also loved the idea of a byline. :-)
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I worked on my high school newspaper. I was the co-editor in chief, as a matter of fact.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Wow. This is a tough question. When I worked for Healthline News I used to get tons of elaborate, health-related pitches from great agencies.
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is coffee, hands down!
