TicToc by Bloomberg is a global news network built native to the digital, social world. We provide 24/7 video news content, live breaking news coverage, and in-depth analysis of global news stories.
TicToc caters to a younger and diverse news audience we refer to as the "new guard," those in their 20s and 30s who are intellectually curious, but busy, and more and more mobile-first in their news consumption. TicToc's goal is to make it easier for this audience to understand the biggest stories shaping their world by meeting them on the social media and digital platforms they already dip in and out of for info throughout their day.
TicToc has a startup vibe, and commonly breaks from traditional broadcast conventions, but we also have the trusted global resources and reliability of Bloomberg News' journalists in more than 120 countries.
What are the elements that make a good TicToc story?
As a visually driven news brand designed for mobile and social audiences, TicToc stories need to be smart and engaging from the first second to grab you as you're scrolling, so we're not only thinking about what stories to tell but how to best suit the story for the platforms we're on.
Perhaps a story makes a wonderful 30-second catch-up video on Twitter. Sometimes it's a longer look at a character that needs to unfold a little bit longer in a video. Other times a breaking story goes out as a tweet or graph to be quickly on top of the news. We really respect our viewers and followers and their time and attention, so we craft each moment of our segments accordingly.
What type of stories interest you? Which ones don't?
I love microcosms of big issues. Making news human, making it relatable. I've always loved human interest stories. I also really love breaking news at my core. I feel so privileged to be at the forefront of major stories, reporting updates as they unfold.
I don't like when a story becomes a commercial for someone or something. Almost everyone has an agenda or a point of view they are trying to get across, and that's natural. As a reporter and producer, I always want to ask the questions that will uncover the story our audiences need to hear -- not just the story someone wants to tell. I need to know what and why someone wants me to cover their story if it isn't abundantly obvious and newsworthy.
Where do you get your ideas?
I'm reading and listening to podcasts all the time, but some my best stories come from relationships I have with people. I talk to people and am extremely curious. Mostly I'm nosy, but I think that openness helps me get good ideas. I have no problem talking to strangers or making cold calls.
I'm also truly obsessed with social media. I wake up, open one eye, not two, and I'm on Twitter first thing. I've also learned to absolutely love the Bloomberg Terminal; it's a fountain of information, research and analysis. Bloomberg journalists and reporters are some of the best around, so I pick their brains and read Bloomberg articles and data all the time.
How can people get in touch with you to pitch a story?
Hit me in my DMs (that's what the kids say :) )
Social is totally fine but emails are just as great.
T
witter:
@marinastanley
