What was your first job as a journalist?
Bleacher Report.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but not for a printed story.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is giving the news an expanded voice, along with expanded coverage. There is the ability to reach a larger audience.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It is a huge responsibility to craft a story, while being as factually accurate as possible, while being entertaining and engaging.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I have no preference. I have had stories pitched, picked from a pool of stories and created my own pitches.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I usually use a laptop or my iPad. When I write, I compose my work on Microsoft Word, Google Docs or WordPress.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
All journalists. Camaraderie is missing in journalism due to competition. Rarely does a journalist reach back out to me.
Why did you become a journalist?
I graduated broadcasting school and found that there were few jobs in the field. I turned to journalism because of the opportunities.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am proud of most, if not all of my work. When I mention a story first and it comes to fruition, that makes me proud to be accurate.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Work hard, be as accurate as you can and approach journalism with integrity. Also, love what you do.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I have no preference. Anytime is a good time to pitch me.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I seldom receive pitches. Generally, I select from a pool of pitches.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
"How Can the Chicago Bulls Defeat the Miami Heat"
What's your favorite drink?
White Chocolate Mocha
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I am involved in several things. I am a family man, an improv comedy student and aspiring comedy writer.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
ESPN, CSN Chicago and the Chicago Reader.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Others in my beat are quick to dismiss the legitimacy in most reports. Some have sources, others don't. Still, we are all on the same side.
