What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was an invaluable learning experience to sharpen my investigative skills and refine my writing.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
Social media has completely transformed the way news is created, consumed, and shared. It’s no longer just traditional media outlets shaping the narrative—citizens, influencers, and independent journalists now play a massive role in shaping public discourse.
Key Ways Social Media Is Changing News:
📌 Speed & Accessibility – Breaking news spreads instantly, often bypassing traditional verification processes. Anyone with a smartphone can report before mainstream media picks it up.
📌 Audience Engagement – People are more involved than ever, reacting, discussing, and even shaping stories in real time. News is no longer one-way communication—it’s interactive.
📌 Rise of Citizen Journalism – Platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok empower individuals to report news, sometimes even uncovering stories that mainstream media misses.
📌 Echo Chambers & Polarization – Algorithms tend to show users content that aligns with their views, which can reinforce biases and misinformation, making objective reporting more difficult.
📌 Fact-Checking & Disinformation – The rapid spread of fake news has led to more fact-checking efforts, but disinformation still circulates widely, influencing opinions and politics.
📌 Changing Revenue Models – Traditional media is struggling to compete with free content, leading outlets to rely more on subscriptions, sponsored content, and influencer partnerships.
📌 Multimedia Storytelling – News is no longer just text—it’s videos, reels, memes, and livestreams, making stories more immersive and digestible for younger audiences.
The Big Question: Is social media democratizing news—or making it harder to trust?
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Political fiction writers craft compelling narratives that explore power, governance, ideology, and societal struggles. Here are some of the most influential authors in this genre:
George Orwell – 1984 and Animal Farm remain classics in political allegory and dystopian fiction. Aldous Huxley – Brave New World critiques authoritarianism and the dangers of technological control. Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale examines gender oppression and totalitarianism. Robert Penn Warren – All the King's Men delves into political corruption and ambition. Tom Clancy – The Hunt for Red October and Executive Orders blend espionage with political intrigue. John le Carré – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy explores Cold War espionage and moral ambiguity. Philip Roth – The Plot Against America imagines an alternate history of fascism in the U.S., Sinclair Lewis – It Can’t Happen Here warns of the rise of authoritarianism in America. Kurt Vonnegut – Slaughterhouse-Five critiques war and political propaganda. Christopher Buckley – Thank You for Smoking satirises corporate and political lobbying.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist is to be a truth-seeker, storyteller, and watchdog—someone who investigates, informs, and holds power accountable. It means navigating the world with curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to uncovering facts that shape public understanding.
A journalist’s role varies across mediums—investigative reporters expose corruption, war correspondents document history, business journalists track financial shifts, and cultural writers give voice to societal transformations. Whether in print, digital, or broadcast, journalists are the bridge between events and the public, translating complex realities into meaningful narratives.
It’s a profession of constant learning—fact-checking sources, engaging with communities, adapting to evolving technologies, and confronting ethical dilemmas. At its core, journalism is about serving society, amplifying marginalized voices, and ensuring that the world remains informed, engaged, and free-thinking.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
There have been some truly hilarious news-related hashtags over the years! One of the funniest has to be , which became infamous for bizarre headlines featuring Florida residents in wild situations—think "Florida Man Arrested for Trying to Steal a Full-Sized Gator in His Backpack."
Another gem is , which started as political commentary but quickly evolved into a meme-worthy phrase used to dismiss everything from questionable sports predictions to exaggerated celebrity gossip.
And then there’s , which popped up during an awards controversy, leading journalists to jokingly debate the importance of their profession.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By Email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a variety of advanced tools to enhance my capabilities:
🔍 Web Search – Helps me find up-to-date information from trusted sources. 🖼️ Image Generation – Allows me to create custom graphics and AI-generated artwork. 📊 Data Analysis & Summarization – Helps me break down complex topics into clear, concise summaries. 📝 Content Creation Tools – I can craft articles, speeches, reports, and even creative writing pieces. 📖 Natural Language Processing (NLP) – Lets me understand context, tone, and complex queries in multiple languages.
All of these help me be more informative, creative, and responsive!
What's your favorite social network?
While every platform serves a unique purpose, I find that Twitter (now X) stands out for its ability to spark real-time discussions,
Who do you wish followed you?
If I could have followers, I’d love to be followed by great thinkers, investigative journalists, and change-makers—people who challenge narratives, uncover truths, and push for progress. Imagine the likes of Edward R. Murrow, Ida B. Wells, Walter Cronkite, and Christiane Amanpour engaging with my insights. 🚀
But honestly, I’m most excited about learning from you and people like you—those who bring unique perspectives, challenge ideas, and drive meaningful conversations.
Why did you become a journalist?
Journalism has always been my passion, driven by a commitment to truth, storytelling, and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. From investigative reporting to media literacy and creative writing, I have dedicated my career to exploring social, political, and economic issues with depth and integrity. Winning the prestigious Chevening Scholarship in 1998 for my contributions in these areas was both a recognition of my work and an opportunity to refine my expertise at the London School of Economics. Through this journey, I have not only strengthened my analytical and journalistic skills but also embraced the responsibility that comes with shaping informed discourse and fostering meaningful change.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I did! Our newsletter was a compact yet impactful two-page publication, produced under the guidance of our senior Class Teacher. Every quarter, we carefully curated key highlights and celebrated high achievers, ensuring students were recognized for their accomplishments and the school community stayed informed. It was a rewarding experience, shaping my understanding of media, storytelling, and editorial coordination early on.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I use a variety of advanced tools to enhance my capabilities:
Web Search – Helps me find up-to-date information from trusted sources.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Aspiring journalists should embrace curiosity, integrity, and perseverance—the core qualities of great reporting. Here are some key pieces of advice:
📰 Hone Your Writing Skills – Clear, compelling writing is the foundation of impactful journalism. Read widely, practice daily, and refine your storytelling techniques.
🔍 Always Fact-Check – In an era of misinformation, credibility is everything. Verify sources, cross-check facts, and uphold accuracy in every story you tell.
🎙️ Develop Interviewing Skills – Strong interviews bring stories to life. Listen actively, ask insightful questions, and build trust with your sources.
🌍 Be Open to Different Perspectives – Journalism isn’t about confirming biases; it’s about seeking truth from diverse viewpoints. Stay objective and challenge assumptions.
📡 Adapt to Digital Journalism – Social media, multimedia content, and data journalism are shaping the industry. Master these tools to stay ahead.
🔥 Embrace Challenges – Journalism can be tough—tight deadlines, ethical dilemmas, and criticism are part of the job. Resilience and passion will keep you going.
📖 Stay Curious & Keep Learning – The best journalists never stop asking questions and never stop evolving. Expand your expertise, follow current events, and keep refining your craft.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime
What's the best pitch you ever got?
How can public-private partnerships help transform the health sector in fragile countries?
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Over the years, I’ve received my fair share of questionable pitches, but one stands out. It was a vague, overly ambitious proposal with no clear angle, research, or relevance, just a jumble of buzzwords strung together with the hope that it would sound impressive. The pitch promised ‘groundbreaking revelations that would change the world,’ yet failed to provide any facts, sources, or coherence. It was the kind of submission that made it clear the sender had no real understanding of journalism or storytelling. Needless to say, it was swiftly rejected.
What's your favorite drink?
When it comes to my favourite drink, I always go for something refreshing and energizing. Freshly brewed green tea is a top choice—it’s soothing, packed with antioxidants, and a great way to unwind. On warmer days, I love a homemade fruit smoothie filled with berries, bananas, and a splash of coconut water. And of course, classic lemonade never disappoints—simple, tangy, and the perfect pick-me-up.
A good drink isn’t just about taste—it’s about the moment it creates, whether it’s a quiet morning with tea, a midday energy boost, or a weekend gathering with loved ones.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m most likely out in the field—attending events, conducting interviews, or gathering firsthand insights for my stories. Journalism is more than just writing; it’s about experiencing the pulse of the world, engaging with people, and uncovering narratives that shape our understanding of society.
Beyond work, I prioritize time for family and friends, cherishing moments of connection and shared experiences. Long walks serve as a way to recompose and rejuvenate, giving me space for reflection, creativity, and perspective. Maintaining a balance between work and family is essential—not just for well-being but for staying grounded in the stories I tell and the impact they carry.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
While I deeply value the work I do, I also enjoy reading publications that offer insightful analysis, investigative depth, and compelling storytelling. The New Yorker stands out for its in-depth reporting, cultural commentary, and thought-provoking essays. The Atlantic provides sharp political and social analysis, while Wired keeps me engaged with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
For literary exploration, Granta and The Paris Review offer exceptional fiction, poetry, and interviews with leading writers. And when it comes to global affairs, Foreign Affairs and The Economist provide well-researched perspectives on international issues.
Each publication brings something unique to the table, enriching my understanding of the world and inspiring my work.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One of the biggest misconceptions about journalism, especially in the digital age, is that it's just reporting facts without context or depth. Many people assume journalists simply relay information, but in reality, true journalism involves deep investigation, verifying sources, and analyzing complex narratives to uncover the full picture.
Another major misperception is that social media replaces traditional journalism—while platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok allow instant news updates, they also amplify misinformation, making professional fact-checking and investigative reporting more important than ever.
