Isabella Cheng
(She/Her)
As seen in:
MSN,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo,
NewsNation,
KTLA-TV (Los Angeles, CA),
KDVR-TV (Denver, CO),
KOIN-TV (Portland, OR),
KRON-TV (San Francisco, CA),
KXAN-TV (Austin, TX),
WJW-TV (Cleveland, OH)
and
Covers:
Environmental Justice, Climate Activism, Community Stories, Community Development, Social Justice, Long-form features, Accountability stories
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
As a paid journalist, my first job was working with the University of South Pacific to report The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
It allows people from all over the world to connect and find information.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I don't have one. When I was little I admired Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang more than Lois Lane as she's a strong Asian lead.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
We have the privilege to tell other people's stories and speak the truth to people/organizations accountable.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I don't keep up with hashtags.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I do not mind.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Canon Advanced Film Camera, Adobe Premier Pro, iNews, WordPress, and Audacity.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Lee Ling Chin
Why did you become a journalist?
I like finding, telling diverse stories, and informing the public.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I did not.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am most proud of the feature article titled "WEST ENDER’S EXPLORATION OF HOME."
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Make sure you love it and highlight diverse voices.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early in the morning, before 9am
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Cannot recall.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Sales pitches
What's your favorite drink?
Brown sugar milk tea with pearls/boba and medium roast cortado
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Playing with my Australian Cattle Dog / Black Lab
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Grist
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's all negative.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.