Grab your mini Swiftie. This one is for Taylor fans.
Scottsdale City Lifestyle caught up with Bryan West, the former KPNX 12News reporter turned dedicated Swift journalist.
“I was mid-workout when I got a text saying, ‘Your dream job just became available.’ I pulled up the application and immediately started envisioning how I could differentiate myself as the posting went viral,” Bryan recalls.
The job? Taylor Swift Reporter for Gannett | USA TODAY Network.
“I rushed home and recorded 13 reasons why Gannett should pick me. After two months of interviews, they narrowed the field and I got the job.”
In November 2023, Bryan officially became Gannett's Taylor Swift Reporter. The role was a natural fit for the Emmy Award-winning journalist, whose background in television news prepared him for the demands of reporting, shooting, editing, producing, and storytelling.
It didn't hurt that he was already a devoted Swiftie.
“My introduction to Taylor was the summer after high school when she released ‘Tim McGraw.’ I was hooked from the first line. I was drawn to her ability to move between genres, write relatable lyrics, and make power moves as a singer, artist, and businesswoman.”
Bryan's beat spans far more than entertainment. Covering Taylor Swift means covering business, economics, culture, education, law, politics, sports, technology, travel, and breaking news.
“Taylor is all the above,” he says.
Bryan traveled the world covering Taylor's Eras Tour, which became a cultural and economic phenomenon, broke records, and united fans across continents.
“My favorite Swift song to hear live is ‘Long Live’ from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”
Among his favorite assignments was interviewing one of the coveted "22 Hat" recipients in Australia.
“In the past, during concerts, one lucky fan would receive the iconic fedora during ‘22.’ The handmade hat was designed by Los Angeles milliner Gladys Tamez. It was surreal holding the Holy Grail of Swift fan fashion.”
Of course, Bryan also covers one of the world's most talked-about relationships.
“I was at a concert where Travis Kelce showed up, night one in Sydney, and the crowd absolutely lost it when he walked across the floor to the VIP tent.”
We all know what unfolded after that.
The job has taken him around the globe, but one of his most memorable moments happened right here in Arizona. During the Reputation Stadium Tour in Glendale in 2018, Bryan had the opportunity to meet Taylor, chat with her, and snap a few photos.
“What’s refreshing about my job is no matter who you talk to from any point in Taylor’s career, they all say the same thing: she is genuine, kind, and caring.”
While the assignment may sound like a dream, it's also a nonstop grind.
“Big announcement days are incredibly busy. I'm shooting and editing content, lining up interviews, creating graphics, writing multiple stories, and doing national media appearances. And when Taylor takes a break, I'm working on long-lead stories and research projects.”
We're sure Bryan joins us in wishing Taylor's love story a happily ever after.
Instagram @bryanwesttv