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: David Nelson, Kitsap Sun
David Nelson has been the editor of the Kitsap Sun and Kitsapsun.com for five years, and previously worked at community newspapers in Logan, Utah and Boston. He’s a Pacific Northwest native with an English degree from Chicago’s North Park University and a master’s in journalism from Boston University.
Q: What’s your favorite story you’ve done in the last week?
A: I didn’t write it, but our newsroom reported that a suspect was caught trying to rob a bank in Bremerton — and it was the same bank he tried to hold up two years ago, and the same teller! I don’t like to go overboard on crime news, but sometimes they are stories about life you couldn’t make up. The getaway driver (who wasn’t arrested or even aware of what his friend was up to) even called the newsroom to tell us his side of the story. News has to be fun, engaging and talkative sometimes.
Q: What skills do new journalists need?
A: You have to be curious about the world, care about the community you are in, and be passionate about reporting and writing. And then you can fine tune your skills in photography, video, social media and public records analysis.
Q: If you weren’t working at your current job, what would you be doing?
A: If there’s a job testing running shoes, I’d take it.
Q: Finish this sentence: “A good PR person …”
A: …answers the phone when we call and ask unpopular or difficult questions, and explains why there’s no comment if there isn’t going to be one.
Q: What hidden talent or skill do you have that viewers/readers don’t know about you?
A: I coach a youth track team in my spare time, the Bremerton Jaguars. Convincing nine-year-olds that it’s enjoyable to run repeats of 800 meters or a mile requires a skill I may never master, but I’m learning.
The PR Pro Takeaway: I had the pleasure of meeting David at the BusinessWire Media Roundtable and received great insight from him about the media’s wants and needs. Thanks David! You can test my running shoes any time. Connect with David on Twitter.