Charlie Mahtesian – POLITICO

What led you to start working in digital/media publishing?

I found legacy media’s complacency, rigidity, and failure to adapt incredibly frustrating; I jumped at the opportunity to work at a start-up publication where digital came first and where there was a commitment toward creating a new model of journalism.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Up early to edit several of our morning newsletters; check email; take a spin on Twitter; talk to reporters; edit stories; morning/pm editorial meetings; record our Nerdcast politics podcast once a week.

What does your work setup look like? (your apps, productivity tools, etc.)

HP laptop, desktop screen, Chartbeat, Twitter, Google docs, Slack…standard journalism tools, I suppose.

What do you do to get inspired?

Read about things other than politics.

What’s your favorite piece of writing or quote?

I’m a bit of a history buff, so there are two speeches that never fail to move me. FDR’s D-Day speech gives me goosebumps; it’s searing, unforgettable and worthy of the moment. I also find Churchill’s “We shall fight on the beaches” speech incredibly powerful.

What is the most interesting/innovative thing you have seen on another outlet other than your own?

I can’t say there’s a favorite toolset. I’m most interested in whatever facilitates speed and simplicity, and whatever enables us to better convey reporting and ideas, whether it’s in word or graphical form.

What is the problem that you’re passionately tackling at the moment?

Covering the Trump administration and Trump-era politics presents a set of unique challenges that all journalists are grappling with.

Do you have any advice for ambitious digital publishing and media professionals who are just starting out?

Curiosity and old-school hard work are essential traits. Have a sophisticated grasp of social media and how it affects your niche. Keep an open mind to everything and don’t let risk or the prospect of change paralyze you.