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With folks utilizing the web more and more for news and entertainment, seems that CBS3/CW Philly was ahead of the broadcast curve by being the first local network to hire a journalist to report primarily for the website. From reporting on the new phenom Date My Text, a singles event where participants pair up to answer trivia questions via text message, to getting tips from a local chef on how men can wine & dine their way to romance, digital journalist Nicole Brewer discusses the who, what, when, and why of the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley. To her credit, she's snagged interviews with high-powered individuals who have typically avoided the media; and if its making news, Brewer is, most times, the first to cover it. A former Miss Pennsylvania, she likes her martini's frothy, her pizza from Soho, and may just know all of the words to 'Dirty Diana' off Michael Jackson's Bad album. Read on to learn more.
Name: Nicole Brewer
Age: 26
Occupation: Digital Journalist & Reporter, CBS3/CWPhilly
What were your last 3 jobs? Digital Journalist & Reporter, CBS3/CWPhilly; Feature Reporter/Producer, WLVT PBS 39; Miss Pennsylvania 2005-2006
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job? I'm either looking for stories, shooting, writing, editing, telling stories on air, then tweeting and facebooking more stories to the web!
*Friend me on Facebook or follow me on twitter!*
What are the perks of working in media? 1. You get to be part of the action, whether it's breaking news or being backstage at a concert/show. 2. You get to ask people whatever you want. 3. Most people find our jobs interesting, which means talking about work isn't passe!
What's your biggest gripe when it comes to publicists/PR folks? I hate when they give absolutely no thought to the story they are pitching. If one more person asks me to cover a story on summer beauty tips that include applying lots of of lotion or wearing a hat, there's going to be a real problem!
Talk a little about the most memorable segment/interview you've booked/done. I once interviewed Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Children's Zone - a non-profit dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty in Harlem, NY. I worked for several months to secure an interview with this man, who was larger than life ... literally and figuratively. Up to that point, he had only done interviews with media giants like Oprah and CBS News. So, even though I had only a brief time with Canada, I made every minute count. The story went on to win an Emmy.
Explain the importance of your media outlet having a strong online presence, along with the traditional medium of broadcast. As the resident Digital Journalist [for CBS3/CW Philly], I've seen first hand the power and importance of going digital. Our audience is no longer sitting just in front of their television. They're on lap tops, cell phones ... and we need to adapt. Also, there are so many connections to be made online. Social networking has become one of my favorite ways to interact and hear from viewers/users.
When pitching, how should an individual or company make themselves standout to you? You should have a story angle in mind. Even if the reporter goes in a different direction, give them something to get excited about. Then, provide a list of visuals available to support that angle.
What's your signature drink? Pomegranate Martini – shaken with a little froth on top!
How much is too much to spend on a haircut? $100 – Borica from Glow in Manayunk hooks me up with a cut and blow-out for under $75!
When's bedtime? Depends which shift I'm working. 8:30 – 9pm – early morning; 11:30pm – dayside; 2:00am – nightside.
Walnut Street or Chesnut Street? Definitely Walnut!!! Shopping, anyone?
Michael Jackson circa 1979's Off the Wall or Michael Jackson circa 1987's Bad? Definitely Bad!!! No contest.
Twitter or Facebook? As one of the original users of Facebook, I gotta go with the Book.
What do you like least about living in Philadelphia? Parking Authority!!! Seriously ... you know it's bad when they create a show about you.
Inquirer, Daily News or Metro? METRO because it's free, and I read it every single day!
What makes someone a true Philadelphian? The way they talk: "How yiz doin??" Gotta love Philly!!!
The most important question of all: Poker or Go-fish? GO-Fish!!!!!!
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