What was your first job as a journalist?
Working as a freelance features writer for SomaliaReport.com
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
Social media has made news faster, more accessible, and more interactive. Anyone can break a story, share updates instantly, and shape the conversation. But it’s also made news more chaotic — spreading misinformation easily, fueling echo chambers, and challenging trust in traditional journalism.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I don’t exactly have a single favorite fictional journalist, but I do admire a few iconic ones for different reasons, like Mikael Blomkvist from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo — he shows how investigative journalism can expose massive corporate fraud and economic abuse. And though he’s fictional in a chilling sense, Lou Bloom in Nightcrawler is a good reminder of what happens when journalism ethics break down in the pursuit of profit.
So for me, it’s not just about a favorite — it’s about how these characters reflect the different faces of journalism
What does it mean to be a journalist?
One of the best pitches I ever got actually turned into one of the most meaningful stories of my career. Back in July 2012, I was working as a freelance features writer for SomaliaReport.com when I got the chance to travel to Somalia for the first time.
That pitch led to my story, Aid Workers Under the Shadow of the IDPs — I spent time on the ground talking to aid workers and families living in displacement camps. It opened my eyes to the human reality behind the headlines: the daily struggles, the resilience, and the quiet heroism of people who rarely make the news.
That experience inspired me to keep telling stories that bring out the human side of complex issues — and it still shapes how I approach journalism today.
Link:
https://husseinmohamed.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/aid-workers-under-the-shadow-of-the-idps/
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
N/a
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
N/a
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a mix of tools and software to get the job done, depending on the story and platform. For writing and editing, I rely on the basics like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, which are great for drafts and collaboration.
For research and fact-checking, I use tools like Google Alerts, advanced search operators, and sometimes digital archives or subscription databases for deeper context.
When it comes to multimedia, I use my phone for quick photos and videos, but for more polished pieces I’ll work with Adobe Creative Suite — especially Premiere Pro for video editing and Photoshop or Illustrator for visuals.
Social media is another big part of my toolkit — X (Twitter) for tracking breaking news, LinkedIn for professional networking, and sometimes Canva for fast, clean graphics.
And of course, no journalist survives without good note-taking — so apps like Evernote or OneNote, plus a trusty voice recorder, are always close by.
What's your favorite social network?
I’d say my favorite social network is probably X (Twitter). It’s not perfect — far from it — but as a journalist, I appreciate how fast it is for breaking news, spotting trends, and connecting directly with people on the ground. It’s like having an open wire service and public forum in one place.
That said, I also value LinkedIn for professional storytelling and thoughtful discussions, and lately, I’ve found that platforms like Instagram or Threads can be powerful for sharing human stories visually — especially for humanitarian or field work.
In the end, the best network is the one that helps me tell a story well and reach the right audience.
Who do you wish followed you?
N/a
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I believe in the power of storytelling to inform, connect, and hold power to account. Growing up, I was always curious about how things work and why people make the choices they do. Journalism gave me a way to ask tough questions, give a voice to the unheard, and shed light on issues that matter — whether it’s a local community struggle, a humanitarian crisis, or a story about economic injustice.
At its best, journalism can change lives, shape policy, and remind us of our shared humanity. That’s what drew me in — and keeps me going.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes — I did work for my high school newspaper! Looking back, it was one of my first real steps into journalism. I mostly wrote features and opinion pieces, and I loved covering events around the school — sports matches, student debates, and sometimes local community stories too.
It taught me the basics: how to find a good angle, chase quotes, meet deadlines (sometimes barely!), and work with an editor. It also showed me early on how stories, even small ones, can make people feel seen and connected. That experience definitely planted the seed for what I do now.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
N/a
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be curious — Ask questions nobody else is asking. Dig deeper.
Master the basics — Strong writing, clear storytelling, and solid fact-checking never go out of style.
Learn digital skills — Know how to shoot video, edit audio, verify social media content, and use data.
Build credibility — Be fair, accurate, and transparent. Trust is your most valuable asset.
Stay adaptable — The platforms and tools will keep changing — your mission to inform doesn’t.
Protect yourself — Be aware of digital security and mental health; journalism can be risky and demanding.
Find your niche — Develop expertise in something you care about — it sets you apart.
Never stop learning — The best journalists are always students of the world.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime
What's the best pitch you ever got?
One of the best pitches I ever got actually turned into one of the most meaningful stories of my career. Back in July 2012, I was working as a freelance features writer for SomaliaReport.com when I got the chance to travel to Somalia for the first time.
That pitch led to my story, Aid Workers Under the Shadow of the IDPs — I spent time on the ground talking to aid workers and families living in displacement camps. It opened my eyes to the human reality behind the headlines: the daily struggles, the resilience, and the quiet heroism of people who rarely make the news.
That experience inspired me to keep telling stories that bring out the human side of complex issues — and it still shapes how I approach journalism today.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
N/a
What's your favorite drink?
N/a
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
N/a
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
N/a
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
N/a
