Zach Alvira
As seen in:
High School on SI,
Yahoo News,
Aol,
Yahoo Sports,
The Denver Post,
Yahoo,
Rivals,
Arizona Varsity Rivals,
KTAR-FM (Phoenix, AZ),
On3,
NewsBreak
and
Covers:
Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, WrestlingBadminton, Cross Country, Track & Field, Swimming, Golf, Tennis.
Contributor @HighSchoolOnSI | Cronkite_ASU grad
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job was a web editor position for KTAR News 92.3 FM and 98.7 FM Arizona Sports in Phoenix.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Sadly, I have not.
How is social media changing news?
Social media allows everyone to become a "journalist" in some aspect. That's why it's important for the media to take it seriously.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
In my opinion, being a journalist is tough, yet rewarding. There are amazing stories waiting to be told, and we are able to share them.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#LlamasOnTheLoose. Seriously, look it up.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is the best way to reach me. I am usually on the go a lot at local schools conducting interviews. I typically respond fast to email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Mostly Photoshop to edit photos.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
My main goal is to be followed by other verified journalists across the country. Whether they are involved in sports, politics or news.
Why did you become a journalist?
I always had a passion for sports and I realized at a young age that I enjoyed writing. Eventually, I put the two together.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The story I am most proud of is about a local boy with down syndrome playing prep football in honor of his brother, who died of an overdose.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't be afraid to start at a small newspaper. If you have the drive and determination to succeed, you will.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I've ever received was from a local athlete who told me running saved his life. It's my favorite story I've written.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I honestly can't recall a bad pitch.
What's your favorite drink?
Honestly, water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Most likely watching sports in front of a TV or in person.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I enjoy reading The Athletic.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Being responsible for several publications, there are certain schools I am required to cover. Though accused of it, I promise I'm not biased.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.