Ismael Rodriguez Jr.
Verified
Cuban-bred, Miami-raised. FIU alumnus. #SOSCuba 🇨🇺
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My current job at the North Platte Telegraph
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but it's a tedious little thing.
How is social media changing news?
Social media allows for anyone to deliver news. In some ways, it ruins authenticity because anyone can push their agenda now.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Paul Kemp from Hunter S. Thompson's "The Rum Diary"
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means putting ethics, accuracy and truth above ego, style and all that comes with letting your "darlings" live on the page.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
In person, email or over the phone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I'm versed in Microsoft Office apps, Photoshop, InDesign, Premier Pro and other Adobe apps.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Kobe Bryant or The Ringer's twitter page.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love capturing the narrative that trails people.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I'm proud of capturing the fight of a local basketball coach battling brain cancer and still traveling 3 hrs to watch his team play at state.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
It's not for everyone.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I once had a pitch that led me to covering how a Miami escort got into the business, which included a dark childhood trauma.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I can't think of one in particular.
What's your favorite drink?
There's nothing a glass of red wine couldn't fix
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading, drinking coffee, binge watching a show or working out somewhere.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Ringer, but the Athletic is a close second.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we don't work hard enough.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.