Julia Williams
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
The Labor Beacon,
EIN News,
Columbia Missourian,
KOMU-TV (Columbia, MO),
KBIA-FM (Columbia, MO),
Vox Magazine,
Kansas City Northeast News
Covers:
Unions, labor, education, community, culture, features, local, breaking, neighborhoods, health care
Reporter, digital producer @thelaborbeacon | miz alum
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
News reporter at The Maneater
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
It's creating new ways to inform the public through video and infographic. It's also allowed journalists to reach broader audiences.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Rory Gilmore
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A reliable keeper of the truth. Providing unbiased, accurate news coverage rapidly. A storyteller — giving a voice to the voiceless.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
N/A
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
N/A
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Adobe Creative Cloud, Wordpress, Google Drive, Outlook Office, Google Pinpoint, Airtable, Slack.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Steve Hartman
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to tell other people's stories and give them a voice.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I worked for my high school television station. I was a producer, social media manager and show anchor.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
MU art professor displays 'resilience' through artwork after brain injury
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Always remember the reason you were first interested in journalism. It will help get you through the toughest times in your career.
When's the best time to pitch you?
11:00 a.m. Central Time.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
N/A
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
N/A
What's your favorite drink?
Chai Latte
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At a coffee shop or at a clothing store.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New York Times or any Conde Nast branch.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Reporting is limited to MU or Board meetings. It's much more extensive and expansive.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.