Each Monday, we’re giving readers a chance to get to know the media a little better.
With a little flair.
Our goal is to give readers some insight into the work and work style of area journalists, and get to know a little bit about the person behind the byline. Start your week off with an online networking opportunity through our Media Monday blog post.
This Week: Emily Heffter, The Seattle Times
Emily Heffter is a local government reporter at The Seattle Times. Since joining the paper in 2002, she has bike-raced Mike McGinn down Dexter Avenue North (and won); covered a Seattle School Board meeting that went on so long that the lights turned off automatically; and dropped her cell phone in a toilet at a NASCAR race while reporting on a potential Snohomish County track.
Q: What’s the best thing about being in the Seattle media scene?
A: Seattle has a unique culture that goes deeper than coffee and fleece. It’s a smart, innovative place with a real civic conscience, and I’m privileged to help document its progress and foibles.
Q: How has social media changed what you do?
A: I’m more connected to my readers now. We have a more personal relationship. It also makes breaking news even more competitive, which I think is fun.
Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?
A: Writing novels at a coffee shop.
Q: Press releases: Love them or hate them?
A: Well, I need them too much to hate them, but I delete too many of them to love them.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: Every year I make a point to get up on a slalom waterski, just to rebel against advancing middle age.
The PR Pro Takeaway: Great thoughts here on social media’s influence on the media. Breaking news is now more of a competition because it can be broken in so many different mediums. It’s a good reminder to be mindful of what you Tweet. Find Emily on Twitter (or on a waterski).