Announcement of Taylor Swift Reporter Draws Buzz for Gannett Newspapers
The announcement of a dedicated Taylor Swift reporter for The Tennessean, as well as Gannett newspapers across the country, caused a stir. Gannett has chosen Bryan West for the coveted role, a journalist who promises to report on Swift without bias, despite being an admitted fan.
Amid budget constraints and job cuts in newsrooms, Gannett is confident in the need for Swift coverage. The vice president of local news and editor of The Tennessean, Michael A. Anastasi, described Swift as “a singular cultural force.” He emphasized the importance of chronicling her story and influence, commending West as the right journalist for the job.
In response to negative feedback about the choice of a male fan as the dedicated reporter for a female artist, Gannett’s chief communications officer advised critics to “shake it off.” Some commentators expressed concern that West, a man, might not effectively connect with Taylor Swift’s predominantly female audience. Nevertheless, Northwestern journalism expert Candy Lee noted that any choice would have sparked controversy, regardless of gender.
Despite the debate, Gannett has expressed its confidence in Bryan West and intends to give him the chance to prove himself in the role. Observers believe that the pressure is on to deliver unique and exclusive stories, but they are eager to see how the Swift coverage unfolds.
