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Meet the Media: Kevin Linger, Managing Editor & Producer at Fleet Equipment

I’m a Managing Editor/ Producer at Fleet Equipment, and it’s my job to create articles for our site from visiting companies, press releases, events and interviews, as well as hosting some of our video series, and sending our daily newsletters.

1. Can you tell us what types of stories, trends or issues are on your radar now?

Currently, I’m putting together a show diving into the broad scope of the Medium-Duty trucking industry.

2. Describe the craziest or most fun story you have worked on.

Being new to the industry (see question 5), I have limited experience. However, my favorite so far was getting to tour the Hexagon Agility plant, as it was expanding and gearing up for the Cummins X15N launch.

3. What story or stories are you most proud of?

I don’t know about my pride, but when my mom learned that I was writing for a magazine she excitedly said, “you’re a published writer!!” So, I guess any of them.

4. What elements or characteristics do you look for in a story, and why?

I look for personality and real-world impact in a story. Anyone can send who, what, where, when, why, but it takes more than that to actually make someone connect and care about what they’re reading.

5. How long have you been in journalism and how did you get started?

I’ve been in trade journalism for about 3 months. Prior to that I was in broadcast TV journalism for a decade, 7 years of it spent meeting deadlines as a news producer (Despite my scripts going on air for 7 years, it was being a “published writer” that my mom latched onto, but news made sure I never failed to pay rent. Win some, lose some).

6. Finish this sentence: If I am not reporting, I am …

If I’m not reporting, I am being told by my boss that I should be reporting on something. In reality, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes coordination to keep a steady flow of stories and videos coming, so I’m probably taking time to plan a few weeks ahead.

7. What advice do you have for PR people that want to pitch you?

If you’re sending a press release, whether it’s impactful and emotional or short & sweet – please attach a HIGH RESOLUTION photo, or better yet, send 2 or 3!

8. Any pet peeves with PR people?

The photo pet peeve might stem from my news days as well. If you want word to get out about your event or product, give us the tools we need to write about it. Interviews are great, but info and photos are vital.

9. Tell us a little about yourself (family, interests, hobbies, background, etc.)

My wife and I have 2 cats and 2 dogs, and miraculously, they get along most of the time. Outside of work I have several interests, but I would say mainly I spend my time mountain biking and playing music. Although I was a tuba player throughout school, I’ve played bass for years, and now I’m learning more about guitar and synthesizer.

10. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our audience? (Maybe something that would surprise people?)

I have glass in my head. This fact will now serve as a litmus test to see which coworkers made it to question 10.

You can find Kevin on LinkedIn, and follow Fleet Equipment on Twitter and Facebook!

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