What was your first job as a journalist?
I produced morning drive segments for WRNE am radio soon after college.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
no
How is social media changing news?
Social media drives the news. In some respects, it's a good thing bc that's where the audience lives; however it shouldn't drive all news.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
As a well-rounded media professional I am passionate about sharing stories and informing the public for the greater good. As a journalist, I have been granted the opportunity to report live and cover a variety of stories ranging from social and political issues, extreme weather, feature and investigative in nature. I always bear in mind the person receiving my message which adds to my robust ability to connect across multiple media platforms. My media background provides me the proper insight and skill set to capture moments with video and photographs while not ignoring all the compelling visuals and sounds that brings the moment to life. I view myself as a journalist and media professional that will always capitalize on any opportunity to share a story to help make an individual, an organization or the world a better place.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word, Excel, iNews, Headliner, Avid, Sony Vegas, LexisNexis, Google, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter and Instagram
Why did you become a journalist?
I enjoy meeting new people and learning. I also enjoy sharing what I have gathered with others who may not have the access I have.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn't work for the high school newspaper, but I did serve as the weathercaster on the television news.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I'm most proud of an assisted living facility I helped uncover alleged abuse resulting in the facility's shutdown and owners arrested.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Think outside the box and don't limit yourself to a narrow scope. Learn how to utilize social media to market your content and yourself.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, I check my email and social media daily.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A state ombudsman contacted me about a tip he received of alleged abuse at an assisted living facility.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitches from my Public Relations career and/or television career both stem from people who fail to vet their content.
What's your favorite drink?
Something with alcohol and flavor.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Gym, my bed, the couch, with my dog/friends.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I don't have one specific favorite. I let the content I'm researching drive what's my favorite publication at that given time.
