Henry Keating
(He/Him)
- Communications, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Chattanooga, Macon, South Carolina
Covers:
National, State, and Local News, Feature Stories, Nonprofits, and Business.
Chattanooga Fellow ‘25 | Mercer U
Interview
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I love them. The finality of a keystroke is fascinating, intimidating and inspiring.
How is social media changing news?
By shortening the time people are willing to read, the "essence" of truth can become so twisted and shortened, that it is unrecognizable.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I don't know if Sean O'Connell from Ben Stiller's "Secret Life of Walter Mitty" counts, so I'll say Bryan Denton from "Newsies"
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist is someone who seeks the truth and reports it. They print the truth in an accessible forum for all, and they don't print lies.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
It's been a while, but probably #Hashtag, from Jimmy Fallon
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I appreciate people coming up and telling me the "5 Ws," from there, it's only a matter of discussing access to the Who and What.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use the Google suite; Pinpoint is a lifesaver, but for all my audio and video work I'm a sucker for Adobe.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter, I think it provides the biggest space for easy access and creative expression.
Who do you wish followed you?
John Mayer
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did, Editor-in-Chief, naturally, but also sports reporter, copy editor, and social media manager, roll the Rising Tide.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My story about the NICA awards, it was lovely to get to celebrate with the people of Macon.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Still at my desk, playing guitar.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I have to say a humor-based site, like "The Onion." For real news, I like NPR.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
"Local news is unimportant because it only affects a tiny space." People are encouraged by their own community doing great things.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.