Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a morning digital content producer.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have actually! When I was about 3 years old, I used to type on my grandma's electric typewriter. Those were the days.
How is social media changing news?
It's a challenge for journalists when people spread what they think is news across social media. It's a period of questioning sources.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Kent Brockman from The Simpsons. He's done just about every job at his TV station week in and week out.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Long hours, high stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep but you LOVE what you do for a living.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Too many to mention in such a small space.
What's your favorite social network?
Honestly, I prefer Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
John Oliver.
Why did you become a journalist?
I always wanted to be on TV even from a very young age. After a while of soul searching and learning, I've found I'm better behind camera.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did work for my high school newspaper. I worked arts and entertainment, opinions, and I was our first and only digital person.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My favorite story I'm most proud to have worked on is a sad one. Go to WRDW.com and search for stories about Janell Carwell.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
If you didn't have a backbone before, be prepared to grow one. Prepare to cry and stress until one day it clicks and you're a journalist.
What's your favorite drink?
I gotta be honest, I drink water pretty religiously. I'm not really a fan of alcohol, but I do like Angry Orchard.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Enjoying my life away from a screen. I barely touch my computer on weekends anymore.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I really enjoy the AP wires, not just because I have to read them day in and day out, but sometimes there are some interesting things there.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Oh, you work with web and social media? That's so easy or that's so fun! Wrong. It's actually a lot of hard work and it can be challenging.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.