Know the weather before you walk out the door. Gabrielle Levy/MNS
When you first get to Washington as a reporter, life can be pretty overwhelming. Between settling in and buying a few great suits, there is one other thing you need to make sure you have: a smartphone. There are still those who resist in the rest of the working world, but if you are a journalist this is a necessity. It is your mobile newsroom.
With that, I give you the five apps every Washington reporter needs on her Android or iPhone.
1. Google Maps – Free
This will be your best friend. Not only can you get relatively accurate Metro times but you also have walking directions to tell you how to find Russell after you get out at Union Station. Search for anything you need nearby, from a CVS to a bar. Save yourself the trouble of asking for directions everywhere you go for the first few weeks and embrace the free map tool.
2. Twitter – Free
Keep your followers updated on what’s happening on The Hill or figure out what powerful Republican California Rep. Darrell Issa thinks about a bill before you interview him. Whether you want to share information or get some, Twitter is indispensible for a journalist. Follow the members of Congress you write about the most, some reliable news outlets and of course your friends.
3. CongressPro – $29.99
This one looks like it’s just for the iPhone users. You might have the Congressional Quarterly face book of the members of Congress, but this little app is the digital equivalent. You have every member of the House and Senate on your phone, complete with photo, contact information, staff contact information, committee assignments, legislation they have sponsored or cosponsored – the list keeps going. The price is a bit steep, but you pay a premium to have the convenience of having all this on your phone.
4. The Washington Post – Free
Politico might have all your political news blurbs you’ll need, but The Post has in depth coverage of national and international news, too. This is the paper of record in the District. At least glance over the front page before you get going for the day – few things are as embarrassing as getting to a hearing and trying to make small talk with the other journalists and having no idea what they are all talking about.
5. Weather Channel – Free
The first thing I do after turning off my alarm in the morning is open my Weather Channel app. The air conditioning in Washington is usually freezing, but I am definitely going to dress differently for 75 degrees than 95 degrees. I also do not want to carry my umbrella around if there is a zero percent chance of storms.