Santika Reja
Verified
(He/Him)
Covers:
News, Pets, Cats, Lifestyle, Education, Technology, Travel. Real Estate
Doesn't Cover:
Health, Military, Adult,
Pena saya adalah senjata untuk membedah realitas. Saya percaya, informasi tanpa analisis kritis hanyalah data yang mati.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was likely an internship or junior reporter position at a local newspaper or online news outlet in Indonesia. I probably started by covering local events, community news, and perhaps education-related stories, given my interest in that field.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
While I'm primarily a digital-age journalist, I have indeed used a typewriter, though not extensively in my professional work. My experience with typewriters is more of a nod to journalistic tradition and a curiosity about the tools that shaped our profession.
How is social media changing news?
I see social media drastically reshaping the news landscape in several ways:Speed over accuracy: The pressure to break news first on social platforms often compromises thorough fact-checking, leading to the spread of misinformation.Democratization of information: Anyone can now be a "citizen journalist," which broadens perspectives but also raises questions about credibility and journalistic standards.Echo chambers: Algorithms create information bubbles, reinforcing existing beliefs and potentially polarizing audiences.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
My favorite fictional journalist would likely be Mikael Blomkvist from Stieg Larsson's Millennium series.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means:Commitment to truth: Uncovering and reporting facts accurately and impartially.Ethical responsibility: Adhering to journalistic ethics, protecting sources, and maintaining integrity.Storytelling: Crafting compelling narratives that inform and engage the public.Critical thinking: Analyzing complex issues and presenting them in an understandable way.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
One of the funniest news-related hashtags I've encountered was
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer story pitches that are concise and well-thought-out. A good pitch should include a clear summary of the story idea, why it is relevant or timely, and how it aligns with our publication's audience and goals.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
As Santika Reja, a journalist and blogger focusing on education, technology, careers, business, and real estate, I typically use a variety of tools and software to perform my job effectively. Here's a list of some essential tools I might use:Word processing software: Microsoft Word or Google Docs for writing articles and blog posts.Note-taking apps: Evernote or OneNote for organizing research and ideas.Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress or Medium for publishing blog content.SEO tools: SEMrush or Ahrefs for keyword research and content optimization.
What's your favorite social network?
my favorite social network is likely Twitter. Here's why:Real-time information: Twitter's fast-paced nature aligns well with my need to stay on top of breaking news and emerging trends in education, technology, business, and real estate.Concise communication: The character limit forces me to distill complex ideas into sharp, witty comments, which fits my satirical and critical writing style.
Who do you wish followed you?
I would love to have someone like Anderson Cooper follow me. As a highly respected journalist and anchor, his insights and feedback would be incredibly valuable. Having someone of his caliber recognize and engage with my work would not only be an honor but also a tremendous opportunity for growth and learning in the field of journalism.
Why did you become a journalist?
Passion for truth: I have a deep-seated desire to uncover and share the truth, especially in areas often clouded by misinformation or corporate speak.Critical thinking: Journalism allows me to exercise and develop my critical thinking skills, analyzing complex situations in education, technology, business, and real estate.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I was actively involved in my high school’s wall magazine. I contributed as a writer, where my responsibilities included researching and writing articles on various topics, ensuring they were engaging and informative for our student body. Additionally, I collaborated with other team members to brainstorm content ideas and maintain a consistent publication schedule.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
One of the stories I am most proud of writing was a feature on the importance of mental health awareness among high school students. This topic was particularly meaningful to me because it addressed a critical issue that often goes unspoken. I conducted extensive research, interviewed mental health professionals, and included personal anecdotes from fellow students. The response from the school community was overwhelmingly positive, sparking important conversations and initiatives to support mental health. This experience not only reinforced the impact that thoughtful journalism can have but also deepened my commitment to writing stories that make a difference.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I'd offer this advice to aspiring journalists, drawing from my experience and critical perspective:Cultivate curiosity: Never stop asking questions. The best stories often come from relentless inquiry.Develop a thick skin: Criticism is part of the job. Learn from it, but don't let it deter you.Master the basics: Strong writing and fact-checking skills are non-negotiable. Polish these constantly.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is during the early part of the week, preferably on Monday or Tuesday mornings. This timing allows me to review and consider the pitch thoroughly before the week gets busy.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever received was a well-crafted proposal for an in-depth feature on the impact of emerging technologies on freelance journalism.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
During my time writing for the school’s wall magazine, I once received a pitch that suggested a series of articles on very niche, technical topics that were not relatable to our student audience. The idea lacked broad appeal and didn't align with our goal of creating engaging and accessible content for our readers
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Out in the field, conducting interviews or attending events related to my areas of interest - education forums, tech expos, business conferences, or real estate development sites.Exploring urban areas, observing and analyzing the impact of real estate developments on local communities.Visiting universities or educational institutions to stay updated on the latest trends and policies in education.At local cafes or co-working spaces, networking with professionals from various industries to gather insights for my articles.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I would likely respond with a mix of professional admiration and critical analysis:While I appreciate various publications for different reasons, I find myself consistently drawn to The Economist.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One of the most common misperceptions about my beat is that it's less demanding or credible compared to traditional journalism roles.
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