Joe Wessels
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
HuffPost,
Reuters,
Yahoo News,
Firstpost,
Yahoo,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Chillicothe Gazette,
The Herald Port Elizabeth,
Fremont News Messenger,
Logan Daily News
and
Covers:
Politics, government, public policy, business, local economy, arts, features, entertainment, human interest.
Dad | Large City School District Media Relations Person | Cincinnatian | Journalist Storyteller At Heart | #Drone Pilot | Genuinely Happy To Be Here. Promise.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
The Cincinnati Enquirer - as a news aide who got to write bylined obituaries on a regular basis. I even got to break news on the front page.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, many times.
How is social media changing news?
Oh my lord. In all sorts of ways. Have you seen the printed version of the news lately?
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
When Anna Nicole Smith died: #thanksforthemammaries
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is my favorite way. If you don't hear from me, a follow-up phone call is always appreciated. Texting is fine, too.
What's your favorite social network?
Probably Facebook.
Why did you become a journalist?
To make a difference.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I did not. Was on the yearbook photography staff, though.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Develop your sources. That has never changed.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mornings!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Meet Santa at the local landfill and get your picture taken. Merry Christmas!
What's your favorite drink?
Coca-Cola.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Taking photos or flying a drone.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Probably The New York Times
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
In politics, we know what's going on in the inside. We have no idea. Well, just a general idea.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.