I forgot that I had interviewed the Cavs' beat writer, Brian Windhorst back in January 2005. Here it is.
Final Beat Project - Interview with an Expert
I interviewed Brian Windhorst, the Cavaliers' beat writer for the Akron Beacon newspaper. Not only did he give me a quick response, but he was also really nice about it too!
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1. What college did you go to? Did you major in journalism, thinking that’s what you wanted to do?
I went to Kent State, I graduated with a degree in journalism in 2000 (I'm 26). I was lucky enough to realize I wanted to be a sports writer when I was in high school.
2. When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career in journalism?
I always loved the box scores when I was a kid and I kind of an obsession with stats. Even though today I try to really limit the stats in my stories. So I read the sports page often from a young age and I developed a liking for it.
3. How did you decide to become the beat writer, covering the Cavaliers, for the Plain Dealer?
Ouch, man. I work for the Akron Beacon Journal. Forget that PD stuff, I kick their butt everyday! It isn't something you decide, those jobs are hard to get. There about 65 travelling NBA beat jobs in the country, an average of about two per team. We have two in Cleveland, they have six in New York, but only one in places like Milwaukee and San Antonio. It is something you have to work up to. I covered high schools and colleges before getting to the NBA.
4. What was your job title when you first became a journalist? What is your eventual “goal title”?
I started working at the Beacon Journal as a clerk when I was 16, answering phone calls and taking high school box scores. I worked my way up to "agate editor," which means you edit box scores. Then to high school reporter. Then to college reporter. And, now, NBA beat writer. It is what I want to be doing for awhile, but you never know what the future holds. Many reporters want to become columnists.
5. What is the best part about being the Cavaliers’ beat writer? What is the worst part?
The best part is the travel. I get to make 45 road trips including the preseason. I just spent two weeks on the West Coast and will spend next week in Florida. Of course, you also have to go to places like Minneapolis in Feb. Also, you get great seats at the games.
The worst part can be dealing with the players. They read what you write and get angry at you and so do the coaches and general managers. They're all millioniares, so few of them have respect for you. But some are good guys.
6. What is the work load like? What hours of the day does the most work need to be done?
The work load is huge. I work virtually every single day from October to April. Maybe I get 4-5 days off during the season. It isn't eight hours a day all the time, but sometimes it is a lot more. You have to be committed. But I also get most of the summer totally off.
7. What would you recommend for someone to do to prepare for a future career in journalism?
Start working at a paper. Whether it be your local paper or college paper. Start as early as you possibily can.
8. What type of qualities are most important for becoming a journalist?
You have to want to work and you have to love to read. I spent two hours a day reading. The more you read, the better you write. Also, you have to know about relationships. Forming good relationships is the only way to get good stories.
9. What is one thing you'd like to accomplish in the field of journalism before you retire?
I'd like to write a book someday. I have no idea on what yet, but I've got a lot of time.
10. Is your job more fun when the Cavaliers are winning (and everyone is having a good time)?
It is easier to deal with players and coaches when they are winning. But sometimes going hard times is when you can get the best stories and create relationships and bonds that last. You can never be a player's friend, but if you're there every day and being fair, even the darkest days, they tend to cut you a break.
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