• by Ray Schultz , November 13, 2023

Gannett has hired a reporter to cover a new beat: the business and cultural impact of singer-actress Beyoncé.

Caché McClay will join The Tennessean and the USA Today Network. McClay’s work will appear in Gannett’s 200 publications. 

McClay will cover all things Beyoncé, including the performer’s massive business and entertainment empire, including an upcoming film documenting her $580 million-grossing Renaissance World Tour and a new perfume line, USA Today reports today. McClay will also will focus on Beyoncé’s, fanbase, the BeyHive, and her influence on fashion, music and culture. 

The news follows the hiring of Bryan West to report exclusively on Taylor Swift for the Tennessean and the network. 

Critics argue that this is a frivolous misallocation of resources, given that Gannett cut hundreds of editorial positions last year. But Gannnett denies this. 

Most recently, McClay covered entertainment news at TMZ in Los Angeles. Prior to that, McClay worked as a writer and digital producer at Hearst Television, NBC News and BBC News.

“I grew up in a Beyoncé household, my mother and sister are fans,” McClay said. “More than playing music, Beyoncé’s impact has shown us the possibilities are endless.”

McClay continues, “I’m excited to dive deeper into her evolution as a businesswoman and to be in Music City. There are so many different moving parts to her business.”

““We are so very excited to launch what will prove to be unparalleled coverage of an amazing businesswoman and artist,” says Michael A. Anastasi, editor of The Tennessean and Gannett’s vice president of local news. 

Anastasi adds, “Caché is well prepared for this role, and her unique experience will further strengthen our extraordinary team of music journalists.”