Kerri McMullen
- Journalist, Hometown News Brevard
- Photojournalist, Freelance
- Senior Public Relations Specialist, Health First
Florida, Melbourne
As seen in:
Hometown News Brevard,
KTEN-TV (Denison, TX),
WFXG-TV (Augusta, GA),
The Daily Gazette,
San Francisco Weekly,
WCAV-TV (Charlottesville, VA),
WENY-TV (Horseheads, NY),
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel,
KPXJ 21/KTBS 3 (Shreveport, LA),
WFMZ-TV (Allentown, PA),
The Sea Coast Echo
and
Covers:
Animals, wildlife, community stories, creative adventures, arts, local culture, travel and inspiring people.
Doesn't Cover:
Finance, breaking crime, or international conflict.
Freelance photographer & journalist always on the lookout for my next adventure.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Interviewing Dr. Stephanie Haridopolis, currently serving as the Acting Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes — I’ve used a typewriter before, and I love the tactile, deliberate feel of it compared to modern keyboards. It makes every word feel intentional.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is changing news in both good and bad ways. It helps stories reach people faster and gives journalists new ways to connect with readers. But it also spreads misinformation quickly, so it’s a constant balance.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) — she’s more lifestyle than hard news, but iconic all the same. I love how she used her column to capture everyday experiences, relationships, and city life in a way that connected with so many readers. It’s a reminder that journalism isn’t always about breaking news — sometimes it’s about storytelling that resonates personally and culturally.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist means telling stories that matter — connecting people to their community, giving a voice to others, and sparking curiosity. It’s about honesty, empathy, and making sure the stories that might otherwise be overlooked get told.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#FloridaMan — classic, and it never disappoints.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I like pitches that get right to the point — a quick email with the who, what, when, where and why works best. If there’s a local tie-in or strong human angle, even better. A clear subject line makes me more likely to open it.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use my camera gear and audio recorder in the field, then Word and Google Docs for writing, and Canva or Photoshop for visuals. I also keep track of my media inquiries the old-fashioned way — written down in my notebook.
What's your favorite social network?
Probably Instagram — because animals, food, and travel photos never get old.
Who do you wish followed you?
I’d love for National Geographic to follow me — their mix of storytelling and wildlife coverage inspires a lot of my own work.
Why did you become a journalist?
It started with telling stories through photos, and over time I realized I wanted to pair the images with words. Journalism became the natural way to share both.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No — my high school was so small we didn’t even have a newspaper. We barely had a marching band, and I spent most of my time in color guard and art club instead.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I’m really proud of the landfill story I did with Brevard County — standing on the tallest point gave such a unique perspective, and it was a reminder that we can all do better. I also loved working with WM on a story about recycling at the Cocoa center. It gave me great insight into what really happens after the bins are picked up, and I felt like I was channeling my inner Oscar the Grouch the whole time.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don’t let anyone — teachers included — tell you that you’ll never achieve something. I was told that once, and I let it get in my way for too long. I regret listening to it, but it taught me an important lesson: your path is your own, and persistence matters more than doubt.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, but will respond most likely after 5 p.m. EST
What's the best pitch you ever got?
One of the best pitches I got was about the inmate sewing program at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was unique, community-focused, and full of heart. As soon as I read it, I knew it would make a strong story — and it did.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s such a thing as the “worst” pitch. Sometimes people are nervous to shoot their shot, and I really appreciate the effort it takes to reach out at all.
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is the coconut lemonade from a local restaurant that actually started as a food truck.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m probably at the zoo or spending time with animals.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I really enjoy reading National Geographic — their mix of powerful photography and storytelling about wildlife and culture always inspires me.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I don’t really stick to one beat — I cover a wide mix of stories, from community events to wildlife features.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.