Jeremy Chapman
Billings, Helena
Covers:
Crime, Justice, Government, Politics, Energy, Environment, Health, Law Enforcement, Transportation
Doesn't Cover:
Entertainment, Technology
Founder/Exec. Dir. @MTCIR. Investigative reporter covering politics, criminal justice, health care & more.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I created the school newspaper when I was in the sixth grade.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Guilty. But I'm still mad about the old Underwood my grandfather gave me that broke and was discarded.
How is social media changing news?
With Twitter you're able to get news in real time, as it happens. But that can be dangerous. Just get it right, first isn't important.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Maddy Bowen, played by Jennifer Connelly in Blood Diamond. And Simon Hunt, played by Richard Gere in The Hunting Party.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, it is a noble profession that is meant to be a servant of the people, keeping them informed of what government is doing in their name.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email. Just tell me the story straight-up. I prefer to be given the facts that can be verified up front. Don't bury the lede.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use anything I can get my hands on if it will help tell the story. My staples are Excel, Tableau, OpenRefine, Final Cut and Premiere Pro.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter, of course!
Who do you wish followed you?
Every Montanan w/ a Twitter account, so I can spread the word about important investigative reporting in Big Sky Country.
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to do something I could be really proud of, that helped people. The pen has always been mightier than the sword in my opinion.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I was too busy with all the sports I was involved in. One of my friends did a full-page story on me though for the yearbook.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Writing about the SB 1070 Immigration bill in AZ & then Senate Pres., Russell Pearce, who paid a sham candidate to enter his recall race.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
There's going to be a period of time when your work has the potential to be great, but it's not great yet. Just keep pressing forward.
When's the best time to pitch you?
24/7/365, the story never sleeps.
What's your favorite drink?
Water, high-quality H20.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On the river, fly-fishing, trail riding on my mountain bike, or playing soccer.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.