Donald W. Meyers
Verified
As seen in:
Yakima Herald-Republic,
U.S. News and World Report,
The Seattle Times,
The Star (Malaysia),
Washington Times,
The Salt Lake Tribune,
The Spokesman-Review,
Seattle PI,
Stars and Stripes,
The News & Observer,
Tacoma News Tribune
and
Covers:
Crime, courts, open government, first amendment, open records
Doesn't Cover:
education, business, higher education
Journalist @Yakima_Herald. @BYU alum. Serious amateur photographer. SPJ Region 10 coordinator. Trekker/Whovian. DM for Signal. seedisclaimer.com.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first full-time job as a journalist was as a reporter with The Register in Shrewsbury, N.J. I covered four communities in Monmouth County.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I started using a typewriter in fifth grade due to my poor penmanship. I took one typing class in eighth grade.
How is social media changing news?
On the one hand, it gives us a way to get news out faster. It also makes it easier to interact with the public.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist is a witness to history in the making, as well as giving people the information they need to participate in democracy.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By someone who understands what I write about, either by email or phone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use DTI, with Adobe InCopy. I also use iMovie to edit video on my iPhone, and I also use a DSLR for photos.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I like writing and it gives me a chance to witness history in the making.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Learn to write, shoot photos, take and edit video, even if you're working for a newspaper. And don't be discouraged by the naysayers.
What's your favorite drink?
Caffeine-free Diet Coke.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.