Kevin McLeod
(He/Him)
Covers:
Progressive policy, elections, civil liberties, voting, human rights
Doesn't Cover:
Sports, entertainment, cat videos
What matters, right now.
Salience delivers secular, progressive analysis of current events, decision makers and the ideas animating contemporary thought.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
A story on interfacing baudot and ASCII character codes for a Minneapolis newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Many times.
How is social media changing news?
Private interests aim to steer public consensus, and splintering social media obstructs consensus-building. Federated social is the future.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To report fully, accurately, truthfully. To expose both uncomfortable truths that undermine society and positive action that improves it.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Carrier pigeon. Txt msgs work too.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Coffee mugs. Coffee. Creamer. Cat.
What's your favorite social network?
Social media is in flux. Don't have a favorite at the moment.
Who do you wish followed you?
The same progressive commentators, artists, journalists and media that we support and serve.
Why did you become a journalist?
It's honest work. Facts always have value. Journalism is the art of conveying them in compelling ways to expand understanding.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Reporter and managing editor at a college paper for three semesters.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Hot Potato: Human Rights and Authoritarian Governance in Hong Kong. https://influentialprose.com/hot-potato-human-rights-and-authoritarian-governance-in-hong-kong/
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
You know the kid who has endless questions and always wants to understand? Be that kid. Keep digging until you get answers.
When's the best time to pitch you?
2 a.m.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"This story will guarantee you a lifetime supply of coffee".
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
"You must abstain from coffee while working on this piece."
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Asleep
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.