What was your first job as a journalist?
KOMU News in Columbia, Missouri. Go Tigers!
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Negatory. I am, however, quite skilled with the smartphone.
How is social media changing news?
At first, I thought it would be a great equalizer. But it seems now that it’s made it possible for people to live in echo chambers.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
RON BURGUNDY; IS THIS EVEN A QUESTION?!
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
..I could read those tweets for days!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer for your story pitch to highlight how viewers watching it will learn something.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Edius, ENPS, social media (just blanket, social media. all the media!) Deko, and so on.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook, because I love to keep up with my friends around the world.
Who do you wish followed you?
. She's basically my hero, my spirit celeb, if you will.
Why did you become a journalist?
It was the only career goal I ever had after 8th grade, (when I realized I couldn't be the president). I love telling stories.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I sure did! I was Editor in Chief my senior year and also did design. It was pretty dark in that windowless closet they locked us in.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be a producer! If that's what you're into...
What's your favorite drink?
Diet Coke!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Honestly, probably taking a nap.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Probably NYT
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I get a lot of pitches about commerce-type things. Like, “if you’re working on a gift guide, please include xyz!” I am never working on that.
