Meet Bryan West, the new Taylor Swift reporter for The Tennessean and USA Today network. The announcement was made on Monday, with West being described as the “standout choice” from the hundreds of applicants.
In a video application shared by the publication, West proudly admitted to being a “Swiftie.” He listed 13 reasons why he believes he’s the right person for the job, citing his extensive knowledge of Taylor Swift’s music, career, and personal life. He stated, “I know about every outing, every new song, every lyric, every album release, every party.”
Aside from his passion for Taylor Swift, West highlighted his technical skills as a multi-platform journalist and licensed drone pilot. He also mentioned his track record of accurately predicting Swift’s album announcements and being one of the lucky 100 accounts followed by the official “Eras Tour” Instagram account.
West even shared a humorous anecdote about meeting Swift during her 2018 “Reputation” tour, jokingly saying, “our ears touched at a meet and greet and I thought for a second, ‘I could be straight.'”
To show his ability to report unbiased news on the singer, West noted three of Swift’s songs that he personally “can’t stand.” These songs are “Stay Stay Stay,” “False God,” and “It’s Nice to Have a Friend.”
The Tennessean also highlighted West’s personal journey, stating that he has been sober since 2018 and has found solace in Swift’s music during his recovery from depression and alcohol addiction. He hopes to inspire others through his battle.
As the Taylor Swift reporter, West’s responsibilities include exploring the singer’s influence on music, business, and social issues. He will also provide updates on Swift’s tour stops, album releases, and the various Easter eggs she leaves for her fans.
“I think this job is to highlight her global and societal impact,” said West, emphasizing the significance of Swift’s achievements. “She keeps breaking her own records.”
The job listing for the Taylor Swift reporter went viral when it was initially posted in September by Gannett, the parent company of USA Today and The Tennessean. Gannett also posted a separate job listing at the time for a reporter focused on Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
With Bryan West as the new Taylor Swift reporter, fans can expect in-depth coverage and insights into the life and career of one of the biggest pop stars in the world.