Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Sager
Hi Rebekah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story as a journalist began in 2008 with a blog. The economy was in a downturn and I wanted to highlight local independently-owned businesses in my community — San Diego, California.
The blog got the attention of a local editor and he began paying me and assigning businesses for me to cover. That was it. I was hooked. I started writing for the local regional magazine and then the local newspaper. I built up my “clips” aka stories I’d had published, and set a goal for myself to write for national outlets. I pitched national editors about stories in San Diego, Tijuana, and along the U.S.-Mexico border.
In a weird turn of events, I was recruited to work in Los Angeles at the “Dr. Phil Show.” I was hired to report and profile Dr. Phil’s expert guests for HuffPost. A year later, the entire team at Dr. Phil was laid off and I was back out looking for a job.
I queried an editor of mine in New York about a staff job, and I was hired at Fox News Latino (the only non-Latino person on the team). My title was Lifestyle Editor, but I ended up working as a general assignment reporter, covering everything from abortion issues to a profile with Jonathan Goldsmith, Dos Equis’ “Most Interesting Man.” Once Trump was elected the site was closed down and I was out of a job again.
Since then, I’ve expanded my independent journalism career, writing for The Washington Post, Playboy magazine, AARP, The Hollywood Reporter, Colorlines, HuffPost, Vice News, and more.
I’ve profiled activists such as Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, actor, singer, and LGBTQ activist Billy Porter, Danny Trejo and most recently Ruth Pointer, the last remaining sister of the Pointer Sisters. I’ve covered such historic events as the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, Comic-Con, and the Women’s March. I’ve reported on male survivors of sexual assault the guy who played Barney on the TV show, who after leaving the show, became a tantric sex practitioner.
Today, I work as a reproductive rights reporter at TAI News, a national, progressive news outlet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a journalist is never a smooth road, particularly in today’s media world. I’ve been laid off twice, and the threat always looms large.
My greatest accomplishment is never giving up my work as a freelance journalist — even while working on a staff.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in finding great stories and giving my sources a voice.
Being a journalist is one of those jobs that keeps you on your toes and I’m proud every day that I get paid to do what I love. I’m also proud of my commitment to continue to evolve and learn my craft.
I think what sets me apart from others is my unyielding and dogged drive. It’s not easy having your story ideas rejected, but, I don’t take it personally, and I try to keep it moving.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
When you find a supportive mentor, hold on tight, they’re few and far between.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rebekahsager.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rasager/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RebekahASager
- Twitter: https://x.com/Rebekah_Sager
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAPDhDBSngKFkBveWd07lxQ
