This is a huge moment for the culture!
Howard University graduate Caché McClay has just been named as the first-ever Beyoncé reporter for The Tennessean and USA Today Network. A Cleveland, Ohio, native, McClay has worked as a writer and digital producer at Hearst Television, NBC News, BBC News, and most recently at TMZ covering entertainment news, The Tennessean reports.
In her new role, she will serve as a beat writer covering all things Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, focusing all of her journalistic endeavors on the iconic singer and songwriter. McClay was chosen from a nationwide search that brought hundreds of applicants. Her work will appear in more than 200 publications under the Gannett umbrella and is a part of The Tennessean music and entertainment team’s mission to expand its digital audience.
“We are so very excited to launch what will prove to be unparalleled coverage of an amazing businesswoman and artist. Caché is well prepared for this role, and her unique experience will further strengthen our extraordinary team of music journalists,” said Michael A. Anastasi, editor of The Tennessean and Gannett’s VP of local news.
McClay recently published her very first piece, published on November 14th for USA Today, entitled “Beyoncé is my beat, and I’m honored to report on her cultural and economic impact.” In it she gives readers a little more information about her background and why she’s perfect for the position. She also speaks about the Renaissance star’s impact on her own upbringing and hopes that readers will engage with the content in an unprecedented way.
“I grew up in a Beyoncé household, and her melodies were often my alarm on Saturday mornings – and certainly on the playlist for my family’s weekly cleaning rituals. Moreover, I saw firsthand the impact Beyoncé had on my mom and sister as Black women, and that trickled down to me,” wrote McClay.
“As I enter my first days, please know that I am passionate and over the moon about covering Beyoncé. Understand I am highlighting Bey as an artist and newsmaker. I look forward to keeping my ears wide open when it comes to readers and fans. Please don’t be on mute, I want to hear from you!,” she added.
Cover photo: Howard University Alumna Named First Ever Beyoncé Reporter/Photo by USA Today/The Tennessean