Student
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote a column for my eighth grade newspaper. My first paid job as a journalist was at Variety, in the Chicago bureau. I did in-house reporting - the weekly picture grosses. Also "sweated" press releases.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I'm that old. My first typewriter was a big ol' hand-me-down Royal desk model from my dad's office. After that, I used IBM Selectrics.
How is social media changing news?
That might require an essay........
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I tend to have fave real journalists.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Simply being a journalist means nothing to me. Being an ethical, honest journalist who knows how to sling the queen's English is everything.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I'll have to do some research for that one.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
no preference.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Telephone. MacBook Pro. iphone. gmail. Chrome browser. Lots of conversations with lots of people. Reporter's note pad, pens, pencils.
What's your favorite social network?
I don't have one, because my relationship to social networks is ambivalent.
Who do you wish followed you?
Never thought about it.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I love words and I love justice.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I worked for my eight-grade newspaper. I was a columnist.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Not sure.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Read, read, read - other great journalists & anything else that crosses your path, including the backs of cereal boxes. ;-)
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime. I respond to phone messages, email, text messages.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Hmmmmmm............
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Never have.
What's your favorite drink?
Water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'll have to get back to you about that.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
No more time for this interview.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
There isn't one that I know of.
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