Primack of Axios explains the world of business reporting

Dan Primack, the business editor at Axios, talked with the “Teach me How to Money” podcast about his career in business news.

Primack said he got into journalism in 1999 after running a community newspaper in Boston.

“I needed a job to pay for the ridiculously expensive apartment in Midtown,” said Primack. He grabbed a print copy of Barron’s on the way to his first interview, read a few articles and used the jargon in the articles to get the job covering private debt.

His mornings are spent writing his Pro Rata newsletter. “Most of what business reporters do is trying to find out what is happening in a company or markets,” he said.

“You’re trying to talk to the people in that business or market to help them do better in their jobs,” said Primack.

Primack said he starts a story by talking to people involved in a situation or that knows people involved in a situation. “There is also a lot of cold-calling, emailing and DMing,” he said. He also uses Twitter messaging.

To listen, go here.