John Rapando
Verified
(He/Him)
Kenya
As seen in:
Tuko
Covers:
Politics
Doesn't Cover:
Obituaries/Relationships/Sports
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I started as an intern at QFM before joining One FM in 2016
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Not really
How is social media changing news?
Altering how it's created, distributed and consumed. Has shifted the power dynamic from traditional gatekeepers to a more decentralized systm
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
The Tabloid Reporter
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's a profession and a public service rooted in a commitment to truth, accuracy and accountability
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
The Subject Line is Crucial -make it concise and compelling
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google, Opera
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
All Kenyan Gen Zs, entrepreneurs and politicians.
Why did you become a journalist?
Passion to inform, educate and transform the community
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the assistant editor
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Success story
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be Curious and Skeptical, understand ethics, fact-checking and research, develop multimedia skills and digital literacy
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mid-week, specifically on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Impeachment story of Nairobi Governor
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The "I'm an Expert, But I Have No Proof"
What's your favorite drink?
Wine
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Home with family, church or watching
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
BBC News
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
A story has been sponsored or misunderstood by political class
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.