Nischai Vats
Verified
As seen in:
The Indian Express,
MSN India,
Flipboard,
EIN News,
ThePrint,
The Pioneer (India),
Catch News,
Inshorts,
Patriot
Covers:
Politics, Cricket, Crime, Business, National
Doesn't Cover:
Entertainment
Journalist @IndianExpress | Ex- Senior Proofreader @Inshorts | Reporter @Patriot_Delhi | @NewsHtn (Tiranga TV)| @CatchNews | Bylines: @ThePrintIndia
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Trainee- Content Writer
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
Social media has made the breaking of news swifter and more efficient, although it lacks veracity at times. Moreover, social media has broken the wall of hegemony which was maintained between the news outlet and its editor, with the interaction of public and readers via comments, share etc.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Sherlock
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means we have a responsibility towards the society and our readers, a watchdog for the government and as media is noted to be the fourth pillar of democracy in India, hence act accordingly. Being a journalist also means we are never off duty, we need to be active and alert, and be brave & courageous at the same time. As it is famously said in the movie ‘The Post’, “Press is to serve the govern and not the governors.”
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Content Managing System, Wordpress, Final Cut Pro, Adobe photoshop, Snipping tool, Quik among others.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter and Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Raj Kamal Jha
Why did you become a journalist?
This field had a calling for me, I started writing from 11th standard and realized that the effect of media in changing the society is immense, I also wanted to be a part of that changing cycle. Always had a knack to gather news and be aware about socio-political happenings across the country. More than passion, I started living it as a part of my daily life. Seeing bylines in newspapers and website, and interviewing people, questioning the accountability became a daily chorus.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Writing on elections.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don’t fall for money in this field immediately, it’s a by-product and eventually, one will earn after making a substantial name and fame in the industry. Verify every information, whether it’s from a credible source or media outlet, anything or everything can go wrong in this post truth world. Try to make contacts and source, and keep cultivating them from time to time. Be alert and aware about almost everything. And last but not the least, read a lot and don’t just click and skim.
When's the best time to pitch you?
11am - 2pm
What's the best pitch you ever got?
To cover farmer crisis wherein a dozen of farmer and farm labourers land was grabbed by businessmen in Karnataka's Gadag district.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
To cover the launch of a medical lab which was basically a PR stunt
What's your favorite drink?
Coca Cola
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Newspaper/mobile
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Indian Express
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Politics beat is quite easy to report and things are served on the platter.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.