Jennifer Sangalang
Verified- Lead Digital Producer and Social Media Strategist, USA Today
- Trending Reporter, Lead Digital Producer, Florida Today
Melbourne
As seen in:
Florida Today,
USA Today,
MSN,
MSN Ireland,
MSN UK,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
ColtsWire,
DolphinsWire,
Golfweek,
The Packers Wire,
The Steelers Wire
and
Covers:
entertainment, movies, food, theater, social media, chefs, festivals, celebrities
Doesn't Cover:
math, hard news, politics, sports
Social Media Leader, digital producer @USATODAY Network-Florida 🙋🏻♀️ @Florida_Today @TCPalm @pbpost @thenewspress @ndn #UCF grad. Black belt. Pop culture nut
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a news assistant, very clerical. Had to answer phones and paginate the weather page. My parents asked me about the forecast. Daily.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
A very long time ago. In the late '90s. The old photo chief required photo assignments be typed, not handwritten. Smart guy.
How is social media changing news?
It's changed how we report the news, how we consume news. An editor once said, "I want it right, not first." Journalists need to chew on that
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane. No wait, Clark Kent. No wait, Lois. (this one's tough) Close 2nd would be Gwen Pearson (Tara Reid) in "Van Wilder." <3 that movie!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You're telling other people's stories. That's huge. You have to have compassion & great writing skills. But know you can't please everyone
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#SipHappens. Ironically, it's most known from @CougarTownTBS, but it fits. I love a good play on words!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Emails w/the basics. Who/What/Where/When/Why/How. Reach out to me. And please know what this newspaper covers. That means you have to read us
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
iPhone voice recorder. iMovie. Google. Twitter. Facebook. Computer. Pen. Post-its. iPhone camera
What's your favorite social network?
At the moment ... Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Aspiring journalists. Turbo moms. College students. Media organizations. Foodies. Celebs. Pop culture fanatics. Fellow nerds.
Why did you become a journalist?
Twas a happy accident. I've always been a writer. In college, a friend was on the student newspaper. She made it sound so cool. I was hooked
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Late bloomer. Worked on The Capsule at Brevard Comm College as an advertising manager. I was terrible. Then I started writing, which I loved
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orl - hands down. Thankfully, it's continually evolving & I've been there every step of the way.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
No. 1: Read a major newspaper like USA Today as well as your local newspaper, whether it's in print or online. Know what's going on!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime via email. I try to get thru all of it & respond as best as I can. It's harder to check voicemail. Readers have hit me up on social
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.