#MediaMonday – Shawn Byrne
Today’s #MediaMonday guest comes to us from Northern Arizona—Kingman, to be specific! Shawn Byrne has been with his hometown’s newspaper, the Kingman Daily Miner, since he decided to completely change his life’s course and pursue a job in journalism. He has since become the newspaper’s editor and is loving every minute of his “dream job.”
So Shawn, what would you like to tell us today?
How did you make your way to the Kingman Daily Miner? Coming to work at the Kingman Daily Miner was the dream job as I returned to school in the late 1990s to pursue a career in journalism. I was working as a corporate accountant and realized if I could do it all over again, I’d want to be a sports reporter. That soon turned into being a sports reporter for the Kingman Daily Miner, my hometown.
Favorite part about what you do? My favorite part of what I do is being involved in telling the stories of people, animals, or places in need. These may need shelter, a new home or a renovation, and after we tell the story, hearing that those in our community have reached out to lend a hand.
Prior jobs/positions in media: Sports Intern, News Editor
College: Santa Rosa Jr. College and Columbia Southern University.
Where did you grow up? I began growing up in Bayonne, N.J.. After completing the fourth grade, my family moved west and settled in Kingman, where I graduated high school.
Favorite type of music: Heavy Metal
Favorite color: Sometimes blue, sometimes green
Favorite local haunts: I’ll always love the library. I’m the editor, but the call of high school sports is still heard. That being said, I’m always trying to get myself to a game.
Favorite places to visit: Las Vegas, Flagstaff and Phoenix.
Favorite food: There is nothing like a good steak.
Least favorite food: Many people in my life have remarked about how good of an eater I am. I’m not really a big fan of cow’s tongue. If I haven’t had it, I am more likely than not to try something new as long as it hasn’t been on Fear Factor.
Tell us a few things readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m one of Stephen King’s Constant Readers. I’ve read all of his books and have nearly two bookcases filled with his work. I believe I’m the only one in Kingman who has been to both New York Mets (1969 and 1986) World Championship ticker tape parades. If you don’t like Judas Priest, I wonder what is wrong with you. I had a short career (about three years) as a craps dealer in Las Vegas.
Tell us who you are in a nutshell: I’m contemplative, observant, and am always looking for the next book to read. I haven’t played in a while, but I love tennis and am cringing to get back on the court. If you bring me a cup of coffee, I’ll be your friend for life. I want to be around positive and happy people, which helps bring those things out of me.
Types of stories and pitches you are looking for:
I’m always looking for those community stories that show people making a difference to bettering Kingman and make those who read them want to get out and do what they’ve read about or at least go help improve a life.
Contact info:
Email: sbyrne@kdminer.com
Facebook: Shawn Byrne
Twitter: @ShawnKDMnews
