Francine D. Grinnell
Verified
As seen in:
The Saratogian,
The Record (Troy, NY)
Covers:
Most anything and everything. City government, education, entertainment, features, documentaries, recorded and live audio interviews.
Doesn't Cover:
Prefer to avoid hardcore sports. May I never step out of a sea kayak in a red tide in bare feet onto a rock covered with sea urchins again.
Often referred to as a one man band, Francine's ability to pitch and deliver original stories complete with stills and video remains her signature strength.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote and photographed a bi-weekly sports column where I chose a destination and drove to participate in a sport there. I had
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Is this a trick question?
How is social media changing news?
It is seriously challenging factual reporting. News is about verifiable sourcing, with qualified experts. It is nor PR or entertainment
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Arthur Conan Doyle
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's a sacred trust to convey breaking news faithfully with the facts to as many aspects of a story as possible.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
SONY A65 HD, Zoom H4nPro, Adobe Creative Suite, inc. Premiere Pro13.1.5 Magician, Audition 13.0.6.38, Photoshop 21.1.3,
What's your favorite social network?
None.
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish Marie Colvin was here to follow me.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I can still hear the 60 minutes program stopwatch ticking in my sleep.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Mar 21, 2020-Saratogian: Spotlight: New address for homeless Saratoga Springs residents during COVID-19 outbreak
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Always give proper attribution. You cannot just snitch another reporter's work or photograph without crediting them.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Even as a staff multimedia journalist, I was left to pitch my own stories. It would be hard to choose one.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Anything to do with horse racing. Unless it's about uncovering doping and protecting the horses. Open to that.
What's your favorite drink?
Hazelnut coffee.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Driving with my video camera and recorder with mics.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York Times, Washington Post
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
My last beat was as City Multimedia Journalist. Like many other beats now, it is not a free PR platform, or a free political bulletin board.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.