For this week’s Media Monday, we’d like you to meet Alexis Mansanarez, sports reporter at the East Oregonian.
- How did you find yourself as a journalist?
I have always enjoyed writing. So, when I decided to go back to school I knew I would major in journalism. When I transferred to the UW, I had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of journalism and work at The Daily, where I refined my skills before entering the job market.
- Which of your stories are you most proud of?
I’m always touched when a source reaches out to let me know they were happy with the story. One of the more recent feature stories I did during baseball season for The Daily yielded that response, not only from the source but others as well.
- What is your favorite thing about your job?
Press box food, but more importantly getting the opportunity to meet talented athletes who are willing to share their story with me.
- What is your interview style?
I’m sure this is a common answer, but I like to approach every interview as a conversation, and to try to keep things as natural as possible. You’ll get some of the best quotes that way, and tidbits of information you can use throughout the story.
- What do you look for in a story?
It depends on the story, but I usually look for information that isn’t easily accessible to the public. When covering games, I like to take obscure stats or stories players share that no one else but the team would have heard.
- Who do you most look up to in the journalism industry?
There are a lot of women I look up to in the industry. Writers like Shireen Ahmed, Lindsay Gibbs, Sarah Spain, and many other women who not only cover sports well but focus on the bigger issues that are present in the sports world and society as a whole.
- What is a day like at your job?
My days start later in the afternoon to accommodate any sporting events happening that night. Like anyone, I start with the usual e-mail/voicemail check and then continue on other work. This could be acquiring sources for an upcoming story, checking results from teams around the state, following up with coaches or athletic directors. There’s no shortage of work at a daily paper.
- What is your favorite news outlet?
Outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated are useful in their own ways, but I like to read stories and get sports news from outlets that put women and journalists of color first — websites like the undefeated.com, espnW, excellesports.com, and thinkprogress.org.
- Fill in the blank:
- If I am not reporting, I am…actually enjoying sports as a fan.
- If I could interview anyone, it would be…*looks at the list of 100+ names* Serena Williams.
- My favorite thing about Seattle is…CenturyLink Field on a Sunday the Seahawks are playing at home.
- What is your guilty pleasure?
Binge watching Netflix with plenty of snacks, of courses.