What was your first job as a journalist?
News writing
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
Social media has changed the way we consume news. In the past, we would get our news from traditional sources like newspapers, TV, and radio. But now, we can get our news from a variety of online sources, including social media.
social media platforms are playing an increasingly important role in the news industry. More and more people are getting their news from social media, which is changing the way news is reported and consumed.
Newspapers are struggling to stay afloat as people cancel their subscriptions in favor of getting their news for free on social media. TV news is also feeling the effects of social media, as people are turning to YouTube and Twitter to get their news in real-time.
All of this is having a major impact on the news industry and how we consume news. Social media is changing the way news is reported and delivered.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
There are so many great fictional journalists out there! From hard-hitting reporters to intrepid investigators, these characters make us want to grab a pen and start writing. Here are just a few of our favorite fictional journalists:
- Lois Lane from Superman
- Jim Gordon from Batman
- Perry White from Superman
- Kate Austen from Lost
- Veronica Mars from Veronica Mars
These characters are all different, but they all have one thing in common: they're great at their jobs. If you're ever feeling stuck in a rut, just remember that there's always someone out there doing what you love, and doing it well. So don't give up on your dreams - you never know where they might take you.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means having a passion for the truth and a dedication to telling stories that need to be told. It means having the courage to ask tough questions and hold powerful people accountable. It means seeking out the facts, even when they're difficult to find.
It's a demanding job, but it's also a rewarding one. When you see your stories make a difference in people's lives, it's all worth it. So if you're wondering what it means to be a journalist, know that it's a calling that comes with a lot of responsibility - but it's also a call that can change the world.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
HowIGotDumped
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
As a journalist, I know that there are a lot of different ways that people can pitch stories to me. Some people prefer to pitch via email, others prefer to pitch in person, and still others prefer to pitch over the phone.
Personally, I prefer to be pitched in person. I think it's a great opportunity to meet the person who is pitches the story and to get a feel for their passion for the story. Additionally, I think it's a great opportunity to ask questions and to get more information about the story.
If you're thinking about pitching a story to me, please don't hesitate to contact me to set up a meeting. I'm always happy to hear about new story ideas!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google docs, WordPress
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter and LinkedIn
Who do you wish followed you?
Larry Madowa
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I believe in the power of storytelling. I believe that stories have the ability to change lives and make the world a better place. I became a journalist because I want to be a part of that change.
As a journalist, I have the opportunity to tell stories that matter. I have the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless. I have the opportunity to make a difference. And that is why I became a journalist.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't work for my high school.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
China's influence in Africa.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Becoming a journalist is an exciting and challenging endeavour. If you have a passion for the news and a desire to inform and engage your community, then a career in journalism may be for you.
Of course, journalism is not without its challenges. The industry is constantly evolving, and journalists must be adaptable to change. They must also be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and deal with sometimes difficult people and situations.
But if you are up for the challenge, then there are a few pieces of advice that can help you on your journey to becoming a successful journalist.
First and foremost, it is important to be relentless in your pursuit of the truth. You must also be able to tell a good story.
Be inquisitive and never stop learning. The best journalists are those who are constantly asking questions and seeking out new information.
Be patient and persevere. Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts at writing don't succeed. Keep trying and honing your craft and you will eventually find your voice.
When's the best time to pitch you?
There's no one answer to this question - it all depends on the journalist you're pitching and what their specific needs are. However, there are a few general tips you can keep in mind when trying to decide when to pitch a journalist.
First, take a look at their publication schedule and try to pitch them when they're working on stories that are similar to the one you're proposing. Second, try to build a relationship with the journalist before you pitch them - the more they know and trust you, the more likely they are to be receptive to your pitch. Lastly, be sure to pitch them a story that's truly newsworthy and relevant to their audience - if it's a good fit, they'll be more likely to give you the green light.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever got as a journalist was from a PR person who reached out to me about a new product launch. They had a great pitch deck prepared and they really knew their stuff. They also had a list of potential interviewees who were experts on the topic. I was really impressed and ended up writing a great article about the product launch.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
We've all been there - you're a journalist, and you get pitched by a PR person who is clearly just trying to make a quick buck. They're not interested in your story or your audience, and they don't care about helping you get the information you need. All they want is for you to print their story, and they don't care how misleading or inaccurate it may be.
But as frustrating as these pitches can be, there's always a silver lining. PR people are only human, and sometimes they make mistakes. So the next time you get a pitch that's clearly garbage, just remember that there's always a chance that it could be turned into a great story with a little bit of work.
What's your favorite drink?
We all have our favorite drinks. Maybe it's a cold beer on a hot day, or a warm cup of coffee in the morning. Whatever it is, there's nothing quite like enjoying your favorite drink.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Watching football
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
www.whoownsafrica.com
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
There's a lot of misinformation out there about what it means to be a journalist. Some people think that we're always chasing after the latest scoop, or that we're down in the trenches, fighting for the truth. Others think that we're all a bunch of hacks, churning out stories for the sake of clicks.
The reality is that journalism is a complex and diverse field, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Every journalist has their own beat, their own area of expertise, and their own approach to the job.
One of the most common misperceptions about journalism is that it's an easy job. Yes, there are some aspects of the job that are relatively easy, such as interviewing sources and writing articles. But there is also a lot of hard work that goes into being a great journalist.
