Tammy Joyner
Verified
Mom. Unleashed genie (genealogist). Journalist @StateAffairsGA
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked for The Oak Ridger newspaper in Oak Ridge, Tn doing a little bit of everything.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Lord, yes and the glue pot and the red grease pencil and the pica stick. O.K. So I'm "seasoned."
How is social media changing news?
It might be fast and the flavor of the month but it's giving people a cursory look at news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent (aka Superman). He's a low-profile hero who writes (rights) wrongs and he's hiding in plain sight. That describes journalism.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
In the current climate - it wouldn't get you a cup of coffee and a newspaper. To me, it's still separate us from other countries.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Gently and straightforward. No curves. No fastballs. Or you strike out. Sorry for all the puns.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Computer and my mind.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
Pres. Obama.
Why did you become a journalist?
I've always loved writing.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. I wrote sports stories and was the features editor at one point.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
It's too late for me save yourself.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early in the morning (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.)
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Can't recall.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I've had some doozies. Thankfully, I can't recall. But I do hate when folks hit up everyone in the newsroom at the same time. Grrrrgh!
What's your favorite drink?
Sweet Tea with lemon. Lots of lemon.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Hunting for dead people. I love genealogy.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Southern Living Magazine.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I'm a TV reporter.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.