Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Play-by-play announcer for hockey team. I was paid $20 and one large cheese pizza per game.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
Positive changes: Immediate access to information, openness between writer/audience Cynical changes: Confirmation bias, 'fake news'
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent is all that comes to mind. I never read any of his work, though.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means telling humanity's story honestly and critically.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Ideally, in person, with a stack of documents/images to back up claims.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Depends on the story, but I really enjoy Knight Lab tools
What's your favorite social network?
Myspace
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish my past self from 15 years ago could follow me.
Why did you become a journalist?
Inspired by investigative reporters.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes; I was the editor for the arts section. That meant I got discounted movie tickets.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The most recent one.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Read the boring stuff. Listen to answers carefully. Listen to your 'BS' alarm. Own the mistakes you'll inevitably make. Be transparent.
When's the best time to pitch you?
8a.m. - 6p.m.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
They all have merit
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A Congressional candidate didn't know one of his positions so he had his campaign manager make statements off camera & he parroted them.
What's your favorite drink?
Water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In or next to water
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I read all of them. Yup. All of them.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Not all scandals are created equal. I don't have a political agenda when critiquing politicians or pointing out the impact of their decision.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.