Paul Jones
Verified- Editor-in-Chief, Somerset Leveller
- Editor-in-Chief, The Salisbury & Avon Gazette
- Editor-in-Chief, The New Stour and Avon
Taunton
Editor in Chief at Blackmore Vale Ltd. UK/US politics geek. Festival fanatic (@GlastoGazette). Views my own - and buy my book!
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Trainee reporter in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Unless you count founding editor of the school paper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but not often, as I get frustrated not being able to type as quickly as I like!
How is social media changing news?
It's both the best and worst thing to ever happen. Increasing access/sources, reducing reliability/accuracy.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent. Or April O'Neill.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means being a voice for those who don't have one. Or it should, anyway...
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I like an email that gets to the point!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Canva, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter/X, sadly.
Who do you wish followed you?
Tony Blair.
Why did you become a journalist?
Doing a paper round aged 11 or 12 the day the first Gulf War began, I was mesmerised by the front pages and thought, 'I want to do that'.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I co-founded it with a friend, and we edited it together. Ended up in the headmaster's office after one edition.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Many. I helped secure a homeless person a home after finding him living in a bank foyer...
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't be afraid to talk. It's difficult, but do it - it does get easier.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Probably at the end of the day, when I'm tired...
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Give me a call about [business], I know something you'll want to print...
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Christmas... In July.
What's your favorite drink?
Tea.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At a festival.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York Times, or The Rocket (Seattle)
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
It's rural and nothing ever happens. It is, but it does.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.