Mbu Maqungo
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Medium,
MSN,
Chron,
Austin American-Statesman,
Jasper Newsboy,
The Beaumont Enterprise,
The Ram Page,
Lake County Star
Covers:
Business, Labor, Government, Public Policy, Technology, Entertainment & Sports.
I write, talk and organize • 🇺🇸🇿🇦🇸🇿 • prev: @BmtEnterprise @RoosterTeeth, @DeathBattle, @AcresHomesCAG, @ASURamPage, @AngeloRamRugby
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for my college newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
Algorithm silos are everywhere, and breaking into them has turned journalism into a content mill.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To communicate while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph and signs of horror are fresh in the air. It's to be teacher to neighbors.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
In email, dm's or texts. Something with clear angles and newsworthiness to people who touch grass.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Otter, Canva, Google and Adobe suite.
What's your favorite social network?
N/A
Who do you wish followed you?
Jeremy Wallace
Why did you become a journalist?
Because of my family's history of anti-Apartheid activism.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No I did not.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Brotherhood of Timber Workers.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Learn to navigate scope creep and take strength in the times your colleagues, family and friends help you present your best foot forward
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Ashland Specialty Chemicals strike
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
To cover a staff tattoo raffle for a fast food chain.
What's your favorite drink?
Rooibos Tea
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Out and about
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Pro Publica
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
There's always something newsworthy happening in the service industry.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.