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Laura Hazard Owen on Muck Rack

Laura Hazard Owen

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As seen in: I'll Be Right Back, Nieman Lab, Medium, New York Magazine, Flipboard, Western Mail, Yahoo, GigaOM, NewsBreak, National Observer, International Journalists Network, The Hechinger Report and
Covers:  books, e-readers, bestsellers, ebooks, reading apps, amazon, barnes & noble, reading, digital magazines, digital reading trends, self-publishing
Doesn't Cover: most individual book titles, advertising, tv and broadcast technology, fashion, movies, health, sports, gaming, celebrities
editor of @NiemanLab at Harvard, email laura@niemanlab.org
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Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

When I was eight, I wrote an animal rights email newsletter called "Kids Who Kare." I sent it to about ten subscribers on AOL.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes, at my grandparents' house. The sound is very satisfying.

How is social media changing news?

Many stories emerge on Twitter first. Twitter also gives journalists greater -- and quicker -- access to all kinds of sources.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

Tess Monaghan, in Laura Lippman's mysteries. (She's a reporter turned private investigator.)

What does it mean to be a journalist?

It means telling readers the truth, ferreting out info they might not be able to find themselves, and building trust through good reporting.

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

I like to be pitched via email (if I don't know you) or Gchat (if I do know you).

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

Twitter, WordPress, Google News, iPad, iPhone, MacBook Air, office phone, sometimes a pen, drinks.

What's your favorite social network?

Facebook, mostly for other people's baby pictures.

Who do you wish followed you?

@JeffBezos, but looks as if he has a protected account and has only tweeted once.

Why did you become a journalist?

I love writing, the day-to-day excitement, and the satisfaction when readers really respond to a story.
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