Stephen Josey
Darlington
Covers:
Technology, AI, Technology Startups, Software, Gadgets, Machine Learning, General Technology
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
A student staff writer at my college's newspaper, The BlueStocking.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
As a guy in his 20s, you'd probably expect for me to say no... but I have used a typewriter for work before!
How is social media changing news?
Social media is allowing everyone to become their journalist and tell their story with the ability to be heard by millions.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Reporter Kermit from Kermit News is quite entertaining (and frequently relatable!)
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist is being a truthful storyteller. You must provide a compelling message while adhering to honesty and integrity.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
As someone from the southern United States, I'm always intrigued by the #FloridaMan posts.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I'd prefer to receive pitches via emails; due to the number of pitches I receive, I do not accept phone pitches.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I enjoy writing down notes on paper--I find it makes organization much easier. I use WordPress and a digital thesaurus for composition.
What's your favorite social network?
I enjoy TikTok: it's a great way to get multiple perspectives from the public.
Who do you wish followed you?
Shawn Mendes, followed closely behind Trevor Smith and Josh Nass.
Why did you become a journalist?
I enjoy writing and storytelling. Journalism has allowed me to do these two things while providing meaningful contribution.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I went to a small high school that, unfortunately, did not have a student newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
During my final semesters in college, I was a part of a group that conducted video interviews of under-represented members of our community.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep writing! The more you write, the better the writer you become!
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'd prefer to be pitched in the early mornings, around 9-11 AM EST. However, I am open to being pitched at any time via email.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Hands down: when a child made a contact with an astronaut on board in the International Space Station.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
One that began with the sentence, "You're going to write this story."
What's your favorite drink?
Sweet tea is my favorite. (It's a southern crime if I don't provide this answer.)
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'm either on a bike ride or spending time with my family and friends!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I enjoy reading the AP; it contains factual information with minimal bias.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Some people find me laid back and humorous, but I take my role as a journalist seriously and aim to convey meaningful information.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
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