For this week’s Media Monday, we’d like you to meet Mohammed Kloub, a journalist that has written for publications such as The Stranger, Crosscut, and The Seattle Globalist.
- How did you find yourself as a journalist?
I originally came to the UW in 2013 unsure of what I wanted to pursue, but I knew college was the time to figure it out. After an unsuccessful attempt at becoming a graphic design major, a friend encouraged me to simply take a small step toward something I enjoyed doing. I joined The Daily, the UW’s student-run newspaper, because I loved writing. A few months into it I discovered my passion for reporting, and by the end of my sophomore year I was a declared journalism major.
- Which of your stories are you most proud of?
This must be what it’s like to ask a parent which child they love most, or at least I assume. Each story I’ve written has taught me something unique and made me a better journalist, so it’s not easy to pick. If I had to though, I would choose the article “Students press department of global health to combat racism” for The Daily. It was by far the most challenging piece I had written up to that point because it involved lots more investigating and double-checking facts than anything else I had done. It was a sensitive topic but I was proud of the final result.
- What is your favorite thing about your job?
Speaking with all sorts of people that I would never even meet if I wasn’t a journalist. I’ve interviewed community leaders, activists, politicians, and even rappers because of my job, and each time I have learned something and been humbled.
- What is your interview style?
I try to approach each interview as a conversation because no one likes to feel like they’re filling out a human questionnaire. Taking notes and recording the interview is important, but so is being present with your subject and letting them know you value their experiences. If you’re looking for a certain answer and moving on when you get it, you’re doing it wrong.
- What do you look for in a story?
I ask myself a few of the same questions each time: Why would people care about this? Is it a story that has been told already? What does this story reveal about the human subjects at its core, and does it treat those subjects with respect? I find it also important to question why I am the person to write this specific story — what qualifies me specifically, for instance, to report on a community I’m not familiar with or a part of?
- What is your day like at your job?
I’ll let you know when I start my newest position this fall, a breaking news internship at the Chicago Tribune. I expect it to be fast-paced and challenging, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Who do you most look up to in the journalism industry?
I have found it nothing but beneficial to follow and expose myself to all kinds of journalists and writers. Sports writers, crime reporters, music journalists, science writers — each of them deal with unique coverage that requires different skills, but telling a vivid story is always the goal.
- What is your favorite news outlet?
The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune do a lot of incredible work, but I also try to take in news from a variety of sources. Twitter is pretty incredible for seeing all of that in one place.
- Fill in the blank:
- If I am not reporting, I am…Writing about hip hop and reviewing albums
- If I could interview anyone, it would be…Kendrick Lamar
- My favorite thing about Seattle is…The rain
- What is your guilty pleasure?
Hot wings. If you’re favorite bar doesn’t have them, consider a new favorite bar.