Matt Derrick
Kansas City
Beat writer at ChiefsDigest.com, contributor @SportsRadio810, @580Sportstalk. Member @PFWAwriters. Author "Patrick Mahomes: Showtime" & "At Last!"
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I produced hourly newscasts at the top of the hour as a part-time board operator for KTXR-FM in Springfield, Mo., when I was 18.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! I miss those days most of the time. The tactile experience of a typewriter cannot be matched on any keyboard.
How is social media changing news?
It drives way too much clickbait, but it also exposes us to more viewpoints than ever, so long as the audience broadens its horizon.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Henry Hackett, Michael Keaton's character from "The Paper." Smart, funny and trying hard to do the right thing at the end of the day.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email. Not the greatest format, but it's the easiest way to get me to pay attention and not catch me when my attention is distracted.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I'm on a budget so it's open source software all day: WordPress, Open Office and GIMP get me through every day.
Who do you wish followed you?
Weird Al Yankovic.
Why did you become a journalist?
Telling stories news is my way of helping. An informed public is essential to our republic. People need to be informed -- and have fun!
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Two-term editor. When I graduated, I had edit more issues than anyone in school history. Little did I know that was my journalistic peak!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Having worked once upon a time in PR and made plenty of my own, so I try to suffer bad pitches gladly. We all pitch bad stories, too.
What's your favorite drink?
Dr Pepper, beyond a shadow of a doubt. Note the lack of a period behind Dr, that's correct AP Style.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Covering the beat!
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
It must be fun to get paid to watch sports. Covering sports and watching sports are two different activities.
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