For this week’s Meet the Media, get to know Chris Ryder, Correspondent at The Spokesman-Review.
- How did you find yourself at The Spokesman-Review?
The Spokesman-Review was looking for help in covering local elections in and around Spokane, and I was fortunate enough to be asked to write for the paper as a correspondent. I had previously freelanced with The Spokesman and The Inlander. That, along with a recommendation, got me the job.
- Which of your news stories are you most proud of?
I recently previewed a school board election in Spokane Valley and discovered that one of the candidates had a criminal record. I was able to inform voters of this before the election. To me, these kinds of stories highlight the importance of journalism and the necessity of local news organizations.
- What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about being a journalist is learning something new every single day. I’m constantly learning when working on a story or reading someone else’s work. It’s great to work in a position where I can educate people while learning things myself.
- What is your interview style?
I aim to be casual and conversational when interviewing people. The best interviews happen when people open up, and to make people open up, you have to be engaging. No one likes being berated with questions, so it’s best to create a dialogue and have a conversation with your interview subject.
- What do you look for in a story?
I always look for a human aspect when I’m writing. The best story is one that people can relate to, so it’s important to bring out the humanity in any story. News can get dry fairly quick, but putting a human face on a story helps to combat that.
- What is your day like at your job?
I’m a full-time student at Washington State University, so my average day is filled with school-related activities. However, since I’m a journalism major, I commit a good chunk of my day to reading and writing news. Working as a correspondent and freelance writer provides me with a lot of flexibility, which I greatly appreciate.
- Who do you look up to most in the reporting community?
Since I attend the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU, I’d have to say my biggest role model is Murrow himself. He set the bar for integrity in journalism. As far as working reporters today, I’m a big fan of Steve Inskeep (NPR) and David Farenthold (The Washington Post).
- What is your favorite news outlet?
I have a soft spot for NPR. I previously worked for an NPR affiliate station and grew up listening to my local NPR station in Seattle. I also love The New York Times and The Washington Post for national news, and The Spokesman-Review and the Seattle Times for local news.
- Fill in the blank:
- If I am not working, I am…Watching Netflix or reading. I recently started reading about the history of the Supreme Court and listening to oral arguments for landmark decisions.
- If I could interview anyone, it would be…Elon Musk. I’m completely fascinated by him and all of his projects. I would love to spend a day picking his brain (or driving a Tesla).
- My favorite thing about Washington is…The scenery! Whether you’re east or west of the mountains, Washington has some of the most incredible views, which make for great hikes.
- What is your guilty pleasure?
Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Depending on the day and how “good” I’ve been, I’ll down a pint in one sitting.
Check out last week’s Meet the Media where we spotlighted Tim Gruver, Reporter at the Ellensburg Daily Record.
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