What was your first job as a journalist?
Producer
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
Social media has changed the way we see and share news completely. Earlier, people waited for newspapers or TV bulletins, but now platforms like Twitter/X, Facebook, and Instagram break stories within seconds.
The big difference is speed—news spreads instantly. That’s exciting, but it also means journalists have to be extra careful with fact-checking before putting anything out.
It’s also made news more interactive. Readers are not just consuming stories—they’re reacting, sharing, and sometimes even becoming part of the news themselves. For journalists, this means we can connect with people directly and even find leads from what’s trending online.
Of course, there’s another side too: the rise of misinformation. With everyone sharing content, it’s easy for fake stories to spread quickly. That’s why the role of journalists is more important than ever—to verify facts, add context, and guide people through all the noise.
In short, social media has made news faster, more open, and more engaging—but it’s also raised the responsibility of journalism.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist means to serve as a bridge between events and the public, carrying the responsibility of informing society with truth, accuracy, and fairness. A journalist is not just a recorder of facts but a storyteller who provides context, clarity, and meaning to the chaos of everyday events.
It is about seeking truth even when it is difficult, asking questions others might avoid, and holding power accountable. At the same time, it is about amplifying voices that are often unheard—bringing attention to communities, issues, and individuals that may otherwise be overlooked.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
World Politics
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
CMS platforms, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Canva, Microsoft Word, and related software.
What's your favorite social network?
Linkedin
Who do you wish followed you?
Ravish Kumar
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I’ve always been curious about the world around me. I wanted to understand how events shape people’s lives and why stories matter so much in bringing people together. For me, journalism isn’t just about reporting facts—it’s about telling stories that make sense of the world and give people something meaningful to think about.
What drew me in was the chance to give a voice to people who are often unheard and to ask questions that need to be asked. Journalism gives me a sense of purpose because every story, big or small, has the power to make an impact.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, during my academic years, I created a newspaper project for Jamia University. I was responsible for designing the entire layout, covering stories, and taking photographs. It was a hands-on experience that taught me how to manage every aspect of a publication—from visual presentation to reporting and storytelling.
That project was a turning point for me because it gave me an early taste of how journalism brings together writing, editing, design, and photography into one powerful medium. It strengthened my interest in media and helped me realize that journalism was the career I wanted to pursue.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
World News, Global Politics
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists is simple: stay curious, stay honest, and never stop learning. Journalism is built on curiosity—the drive to ask questions, dig deeper, and understand the world beyond the surface. If you keep that spark alive, stories will always find you.
Second, always value accuracy over speed. In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to be the first to publish, but your credibility as a journalist is built on trust. Take the time to verify facts—your audience will respect you more for being right than for being fast.
Third, be open to learning new skills. Modern journalism is not just about writing; it’s about knowing how to use digital tools, SEO, social media, video, and data. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.
When's the best time to pitch you?
MId Day
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever received was one that was clear, well-researched, and directly connected to my beat. The sender had taken the time to understand the kind of stories I cover, and instead of sending a generic press release, they framed the pitch as a real story idea with data, background, and quotes I could actually use.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I’ve ever received was one that had nothing to do with my beat or area of work. It was a mass email sent to dozens of journalists, with no personalization, no clear story angle, and not even my name spelled correctly. It felt more like spam than a serious pitch.
What's your favorite drink?
Juice
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m usually out exploring new places, reading books, or catching up on current affairs away from the screen. I also enjoy photography, which lets me see stories from a different perspective. Sometimes, you’ll just find me spending time with friends and family, unwinding from the fast pace of news and digital work.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
BBC, Indian Express
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One common misperception about my beat—digital journalism and content—is that it’s only about speed and clicks. Many people assume that online news is just quick headlines or SEO tricks, without much depth or research.
In reality, digital journalism requires the same accuracy, responsibility, and storytelling skills as traditional reporting—sometimes even more. The challenge is to balance speed with depth while making content engaging enough for online readers.
Another misperception is that social media and digital platforms are replacing journalism. The truth is, they’re simply new tools for reaching audiences. The core of journalism—research, fact-checking, and truthful reporting—remains the same, no matter the medium.
