Gannett Seeks Dedicated Taylor Swift Reporter to Chronicle Music Icon’s Influence

In a departure from traditional reporting practices, Gannett, the largest newspaper chain in the United States, has announced its intention to hire a dedicated reporter to cover the unparalleled career and influence of music sensation Taylor Swift. This announcement comes in response to Swift’s ongoing record-breaking tour, which has solidified her status as a cultural force to be reckoned with.

Gannett aims to employ a journalist capable of encapsulating the profound impact of Swift’s music, her ever-expanding legacy, and the far-reaching effects she has on both the music and business worlds. This newly appointed reporter will contribute to two of Gannett’s prominent publications, USA Today and The Tennessean, the latter being based in Nashville, where Swift embarked on her journey as a country music darling before ascending to stadium-filling stardom across North America through her groundbreaking Eras Tour.

The creation of this role reflects the fervent enthusiasm surrounding Taylor Swift, whose cultural significance only deepens with each album release, including her recent re-recordings of past hits. Swift’s devoted fans have displayed unwavering support, from spending significant sums on concert tickets to even causing seismic activity at one of her concerts in Seattle.

Responses to Gannett’s job posting have been mixed, with some applauding the company for connecting with a new audience, while others criticize its recent layoffs of local journalists. Kristin Roberts, Gannett’s Chief Content Officer, defended the decision by asserting that the USA Today Network is dedicated to providing essential journalism that caters to readers’ interests.

“As Taylor Swift’s fan base has grown to unprecedented heights, so has the influence of her music and growing legacy — not only on the industry but on our culture,” Ms. Roberts stated. “She is shaping a generation and is relevant, influential, and innovative — just like us.”

While newspapers frequently employ music critics and entertainment reporters, it is a rarity for a reporter to be assigned to cover a single artist. However, Taylor Swift’s enduring popularity has proven to be a significant cultural and economic force in recent months.

A Federal Reserve survey has even indicated that Swift’s fans, affectionately known as “Swifties,” have boosted hotel revenues in the Philadelphia region. Although specific box office figures for Swift’s concerts are not publicly disclosed, Pollstar estimates suggest nightly ticket sales of approximately $14 million. With 146 stadium dates scheduled well into 2024, Swift’s tour earnings could surpass $1.4 billion, exceeding the current record set by Elton John’s multiyear farewell tour at $939 million.

Concerns have been raised by some journalists regarding Gannett’s reporting priorities, particularly in light of its layoffs last December. Media analysts fear that such cuts may further erode the already shrinking local news industry, leading to information gaps in communities across the nation.

Laura D. Testino, a reporter for Chalkbeat Tennessee, pointed out on social media that while Nashville is gaining a Swift reporter, other areas like Memphis are still without dedicated investigative reporters. Gannett has recently hired 225 journalists since March, with over 100 open positions, according to Ms. Roberts.

Music writer Vrinda Jagota, in an interview, acknowledged Taylor Swift’s significance as a complex pop icon deserving of journalistic analysis but also emphasized the importance of recognizing other equally influential artists like Beyoncé. Jagota cited Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance,” which has resonated with many Black and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The hiring decision was not dismissed outright by Robert Thompson, the director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University. He argued that in today’s fragmented cultural landscape, where mass culture has fragmented into numerous niches, there is inherent value in covering subjects that are universally relevant.

“You cannot be conscious in the United States without on some level having to come to grips with Taylor Swift,” Dr. Thompson concluded. Covering someone of her stature, he added, is a “perfectly sound activity for a journalist to be doing.”