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Mark Urban on Muck Rack

Mark Urban

Verified
London
Covers:  defence, intelligence, security, counter terrorism, geopolitics, peace and conflict, diplomacy
Columnist for Sunday Times, BBC 1990-2024, author; Big Boys Rules, Rifles, Generals, TF Black, Tank War, Skripal Files, Red Devils, Tank. Trustee @I_W_M 2018-26

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

As an assistant producer on Newsnight in 1984

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes, my first two books were written on a manual typewriter

How is social media changing news?

It's great for consolidating a wide range of views on a specific topic

What does it mean to be a journalist?

It means a long hard road to a nirvana-like state of objectivity. We can never reach that state, but the quest is what it's about

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

MacBook Air, iPhone, ENPS, Jupiter, Twitter

What's your favorite social network?

Twitter

Why did you become a journalist?

To find stuff out and get it out to people

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

Yes, it was a school paper called Oracle. Strangely enough, I ended up the editor

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

Don't be put off by rejection, and always remain true to your principles

When's the best time to pitch you?

Early in the day!

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