William Ricks
(He/Him)
As seen in:
ESPN,
ESPN Deportes,
ESPNU,
Blasting News,
us.blastingnews.com,
FanSided,
KABC-TV (Los Angeles, CA),
KGO-TV (San Francisco, CA),
VAVEL,
WABC-TV (New York, NY)
and
Covers:
Sports, pop culture, technology, Black history
Photos, Music, Gaming, Videos, Jesus, and more! ❤️🔥 • Faith Over Fear Out NOW 🎧 • Romans 12:2, James 1:12 ✝️ • Penn State Alumnus
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job as a journalist was writing for Hampton University's The Hampton Script. I was a sports reporter there.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, but I kind of want to someday.
How is social media changing news?
People can access news so quickly now. Journalists can break the news in 140 characters or less, making it available to millions instantly.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I'd have to go with Clark Kent or Lois Lane. Lane had a nose for a great story. Superman's my favorite hero, so some bias here, ahaha.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means that we have a responsibility to provide truthful and accurate content to the audience so they can be informed and make good choices
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is the best way to reach me always.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use WordPress, Asana, Google Suite, and much more.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter for sure. I have met so many great people and enjoy a bunch of the content I see on there.
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish I followed Wendell Scott. His life is so interesting, and he went through a lot during his day. I would've loved to cover him.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love telling compelling stories. I feel like it's my responsibility to use my writing and reporting talents to bring the truth to the world
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not. However, I started a school newspaper with my friends back in fifth grade.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I would have to say the stories about Black Athletes making history. My pieces on Wendell Scott, The Gold Dust Trio, and more.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find your unique style and constantly hone your skills. This is a learning process so enjoy the knowledge and be confident in yourself
When's the best time to pitch you?
Usually around midday, like around 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I'm usually the one doing the pitching, so I don't have the best pitch I ever received.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I can't remember, which is probably why it was the worst one ahaha.
What's your favorite drink?
My favorite drink is a Shirley Temple. It can be an alcoholic or a virgin one. The sweet cherry taste mixed with a cold sprite does wonders.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In my bed sleeping.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
ESPN or Bleacher Report. I also love to read Deadspin's content. They put a nice comedic twist on things.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
We are looking to bury players and end their careers. People don't know the difference between sports debate and sports reporting.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.