What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for Gizmodo
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I loved typing on one.
How is social media changing news?
Astonishingly, irrevocably, and from the inside out. Immediacy, access and un-verifiability are the watchwords.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
William de Worde of the Ankh-Morpork Times
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Something different than even ten years ago, and also something different to what the average Jo Public thinks. It's about speaking truth
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Cleverly, accurately and...politely. People rarely manage the first two and almost always forget the last one!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
MacBook Pro, jumble of Canon DSLRs, iPhone, iPad, 2 Android phones and a Nexus 7. Software: Ooh, more apps than I can mention, and the web
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter. So simple, immediate and flexible. I think it allows more scope for innovative uses of it than ugly/complex G+ and twisty Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
Stephen Fry. Douglas Adams (not going to happen, sadly). But not really that hung up on who follows me!
Why did you become a journalist?
It was almost inevitable, and when I did I remembered it was something a very wonderful teacher once told me I'd be. Call it a calling(ish).
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope. Didn't really have one, plus didn't go to "high school". Did write a short article for my sixth-form newsletter once, though.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't try to be a "journalist". Try to write powerfully, always be aware of bigger context, never write about something you're not into
