Fiona Smith
VerifiedInterview
What was your first job as a journalist?
It was as the editor of a brass, pipe and concert band magazine!
Have you ever used a typewriter?
yes
How is social media changing news?
It is becoming the preferred platform (source) for multiple generations
What does it mean to be a journalist?
it is a privilege
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I've never paid attention
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email. Point form is fine
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
computer, ipad, mobile phone, camera
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Why did you become a journalist?
curiosity
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One that helped someone
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find a way to make money while you build your skills. It is getting tougher out there
When's the best time to pitch you?
By email, any time
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A short one that clearly explained the newsworthiness of the idea. An exclusive one.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
One that had no point
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At art class
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I might be interested in writing about products, software or doing a story as free advertising
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.