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: Tim Booth, Associated Press
Tim Booth is a Seattle-based Sports Writer/Editor for the Associated Press. Although he started with the AP in 2004, he became a full-time writer in 2007 and he’s been their lone sports writer for the state of Washington Since 2010.
He covers the Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, University of Washington and monitors contributing coverage of Washington State University, Gonzaga and Boise State. Booth graduated from Central Washington University in 2000. He has two kids.
Q: What’s your favorite kind of story?
A: I love to do profiles when I have the time to really delve into the story. When I have the time to talk with a number of different sources and really get a chance to provide a comprehensive look at a person or a topic. The kind of story I like is the one that makes people think and talk.
Q: If you could have someone else’s job, what would it be?
A: I would love to work at a golf course. You’d get to be outside and maybe get a little free golf.
Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person is …”
A: One who is willing to work with a journalist rather than constantly being a road block. I understand there are times when they can’t talk about a topic, but it’s another thing to be in the position of being combative and standoffish. A good PR person understands the back and forth relationship with the media and helps how they can, where they can.
Q: What skills do new journalists need?
A: You’ve got to be able to do a little of everything now. You can no longer just be a writer or an editor. You’ve got to be able to write fast, and most importantly accurately, take photos, take video, have a presence on social media and it helps to be able to speak well in case you need to do radio or TV spots. I think we’re at the point where all journalists need to understand the title “multimedia journalist.”
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: I don’t know if this counts, but I worked as a lifeguard/children’s swim instructor through college.
The PR Pro Takeaway: Tim Booth must be a jack of all trades covering multiple sports spanning collegiate and professional. His advice to new journalists gives a hint at how extensive his coverage can be. Keep that in mind when pitching him, make it straight forward and get down to business. Curious that he didn’t mention his golf game as his hidden talent…