Ask the Expert: Art Factora

February 19, 2020

Did you choose the journalism industry? Or did it choose you?

I was 19 years old and didn’t have a clue what to do with my life. One day I decided listening to music and talking would be fun.

What is your favourite story you reported, and why?

I was producing an afternoon talk show when the news broke on the death of Michael Jackson. We spent almost 3 hours taking calls from listeners about the King of Pop.

Tell us about a milestone in your career.

There’s a few of them but a couple of years ago I produced Red Robinson’s final radio show. I sure wasn’t around for his first radio show but being there for his last one was really special.

What does a day in the life of Assistant Program Director at Sportsnet 650, look like?

My day starts really early. I help produce the morning show, so I’m in at the radio station at 4:45am. After three hours in the studio, I spend the rest of my morning doing a mix of things. Meetings, answering emails, updating schedules and putting out fires. It’s a different day, everyday.

How important is Public Relations to your career?

PR companies are great for content creators. They can act as an extra set of eyes and ears for people always looking for the next story our audience needs to hear.

What are 2 tips you want to pass along to PR professionals and brands that send pitches?

Be persistent to a point. If you send too many emails, your email address can be easily overlooked or immediately deleted. Try to personalize emails that don’t look SPAMMY

What is your favourite animal?

I’m a dog guy.

Favourite movie?

I’ve seen Top Gun so many times I feel like I could probably pilot a fighter jet if I had to.

If you could have coffee with anyone (living or dead) who would it be, and why?

My Mom. She passed away a few years ago and before she could meet my son. 🙁

Social links:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artfactora/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportsnet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sportsnet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsnet/
Website: https://www.sportsnet.ca/650/