Matt Johnson
Verified
As seen in:
Sportsnaut,
MSN,
Yahoo Canada,
Flipboard,
Yahoo Sports,
Yahoo Sports Canada,
Yahoo,
Yahoo Movies Canada,
JD Supra,
NewsBreak,
Currently
and
Covers:
Baseball, basketball, football, softball and politics. I have significant familiarity with all of the subjects and a desire to learn more about topics I'm not as sharp in.
Managing Editor for @Sportsnaut, overseeing NFL/CFB/MLB/NFL Draft and dabble in NASCAR. Cover Rams/Chargers/USC/UCLA for @LAFBNetwork
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I've been a freelance writer since junior college, primarily writing about news involving professional and collegiate sports.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I've used a typewriter twice, though it was purely for fun and I didn't end up writing on paper.
How is social media changing news?
I think social media can be a powerful tool for reporters to connect with a broader audience, put information out quickly and find more info.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
While it's a different side of media and is more broad, I greatly enjoyed watching The Newsroom.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I believe being a journalist means providing information and stories that the audience can gain something from and come away appreciating.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter. I think it offers the greatest ability to obtain information, connect with a wider audience and report news at a moment's notice.
Who do you wish followed you?
Anyone who is looking for someone with a passion for telling stories that resonate with a wide audience and connect them with more people..
Why did you become a journalist?
It started as a small passion for writing and blossomed into a desire to tell stories, inform people and help people connect with others.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
While I picked up my itch for writing in high school, I didn't join a campus newspaper until I was in community college.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
While the league ultimately wasn't successful, I'm very proud in my work for the story on the Alliance of American Football league.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find the thing that inspires you to put words onto a medium. The best stories and articles come from writer who have passion for the topic.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In an age where we are all connected to our phones, I can be reached at almost any point during the day.
What's your favorite drink?
I mostly drink water, though I've started giving coffee a shot.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I've enjoyed reading The Athletic and the selection it offers in a variety of sports. I also enjoy looking at FiveThirtyEight and FanGraphs.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.