Shelly Conlon
Verified
As seen in:
Argus Leader,
MSN,
Yahoo Life,
MSN South Africa,
USA Today,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Aol,
Yahoo Finance,
U.S. News and World Report,
Bleacher Report
and
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Outside of high school, I was an intern at my local community paper before my senior year.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
The news cycle is now 24/7 on any platform, which can sometimes put an extra focus on feeding the beast rather than quality reporting.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable, giving a voice to those who need it.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I don't have a preference.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Social media platforms, email, open records requests, Microsoft Word, Excell, pen, paper, phonebook, archives, etc.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
More residents and other journalists
Why did you become a journalist?
To become as close to the heart of the world as possible, giving a voice to those who feel silence.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. I was the editor in chief.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Uncovering administrative bullying at a high school, where administrators changed grades and gave away course credit improperly.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Practice listening. know when to move out of the way and let your sources do the talking.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Before 6 p.m. any day of the week.
What's your favorite drink?
Dr Pepper
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'm usually watching a movie, reading at a coffee house or in a hammock, or playing with my dogs outside.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Washington Post
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.