Beth Garabrant
When Gannett posted a Taylor Swift full-time reporter job opening in September, the digital snaps of resumes flying through the air as aspiring writers stumbled upon a potentially once-in-a-lifetime job actually became a reality. You might have heard it. When the glow subsided, variety On Monday (November 6), the nation’s largest newspaper chain reported it had hired 35-year-old self-proclaimed Swiftie Brian West for the coveted job.
An Arizona writer who recently moved to Nashville for work says he’s ready for his new job despite some hand-wringing and derision from some about the journalistic sensibilities of hiring Swift’s staff writer. He said he did not understand how it differed from other reporting activities.
“I think this position is no different than being a sports journalist who is a fan of your home team,” he said. “I just came from Phoenix and all the anchors there were wearing Diamondbacks gear. They want the Diamondbacks to win. I’m just a fan of Taylor and I’m excited about her career. I’ve been following the whole thing, but I also have a background as a journalist, going to Northwestern, winning awards, working in newsrooms all over the country.The fun part of this job is talking about Easter eggs. But I think it’s actually more serious, and the impact she’s having on society, business, and music.”
West tried to prove his sincerity by sharing his deep knowledge and opinions about Swift, including his thoughts on Vault songs from Swift’s new album. 1989 (Taylor version) The re-release of “Now That We Don’t Talk” and “Say Don’t Go,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, the latter of which he says is “a big fan.” ” has been professed to be.
“When she hears this, she screams the harmony, ‘I’m got ‘I love you.’” [in a bridge near the end of the track]and that’s why I really like it: it’s the harmonies she screams that are muted,” he said of his favorite moment of the additional track.
West said his background as a “one-man band” reporter who frequently filmed interviews for the Gannett daily’s digital edition gave him an advantage in the race to hire reporters likely to attract younger readers. title from the chain, which has slashed employee positions over the past two decades.
And while this post seemed like a stunt to many, Michael Anastasi tennessean‘s editor (Mr West will work from the office) said the chain was “very satisfied” with the caliber of respondents. “If we end up hiring five more people, we will have very qualified candidates for all positions,” he said. “It ranged from veteran hard news reporters, including at least one very well-established White House reporter, to Swifties who had blogs and were influential…and of course just chasing dreams and winning. There were also a lot of fans who were hoping for the lottery. But in the end, what we met was a seasoned journalist who was a serious news expert, and who was very curious about Taylor’s world and what he was trying to step into. I think he’s a great balance between someone who understands everything about the universe that he’s in.”
As the paper’s news director explained, the job is not a dusty, traditional “three-article-a-week” job, but rather a job that involves video, social media, interactions with the Swifties, hit shows, red carpets, and more. It is said that the job involves CMA etc. and “anywhere people are enjoying or reminiscing about who Taylor Swift is.”
In fact, West met Swift once backstage at her 2018 opening night. reputation Tour — During his first week in office, he attended CMA-related events throughout this week, making sure he wasted no time in getting into the fray. And in fact, it was that photo, and a short list of serious story ideas expanded into his two-page PDF during the interview process, that secured him the job.
West said he recognizes that the Swifties can be judge, jury, and executioner for writers who mildly criticize their art. variety In his video application for the job, he expressed objectivity by citing three of the singer’s songs he can’t resist: “Stay Stay Stay,” “False God,” and “It’s Nice to Have a Friend.” Told.
Swift is a leading finalist at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, with 20 nominations. You can watch the BBMAs here. signboard and BBMA’s social media channels on November 19th.