140 Characters or Less: Journalists
August 16, 2011 by Costa DeVault
In honor of Social Media Day, the Los Angeles Times put together a blog post titled “Times reporters in 140 characters.” Inspired by the idea, Costa DeVault challenged the following local journalists to describe how social media has changed their job description in 140 characters or less:
- Matt Coleman, formerly with the Jacksonville Business Journal
- Peter King, CBS Radio
- Mike Synan, WOFL Fox 35
- John Cutter, Orlando Sentinel
Do you think being active on Twitter makes you a better reporter? Why or why not?
- Matt: Better – maybe. More engaged – definitely. It simply gives you a push in the direction of a story, like a background interview.
- Peter: You know. I was pretty good before Twitter! What Twitter lets me do is pass on details I might not have room for in a radio story. And comments.
- Mike: Absolutely! I can now break news the instant it happens and expand beyond the Orlando market.
- John: IMHO Twitter makes reporters better IF they use it for conversation with readers/sources. It shouldn’t just be headline service.
How has social media made your job easier or harder?
- Matt: It’s easier because I can get news out there with just my iPhone. It’s harder, because so can everyone else. Got to make it interesting.
- Peter: It’s tough to serve two masters, and my radio responsibilities ultimately trump Twitter. That said, I totally enjoy Twitter.
- Mike: Easier. Facebook allows me to know my sources and coworkers better. Twitter breaks news.
- John: Social media has made it easier AND harder. Copout? Maybe. Easier because more ears in community. Harder because of competition.
Describe your Twitter personality in three words:
- Matt: Sarcastic yet authoritative.
- Peter: Interesting, fun, personal.
- Mike: Cynical, independent, fair.
- John: Steal from Robert Frost? It goes on. Pink Floyd? Short, sharp, shock. Me? Shameless family man and I’m shameless for my Sentinel and my real family …
Check out next week’s blog post where we ask the same questions to some of Central Florida’s public relations and marketing professionals.
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