#MediaMonday – Drew Goretzka
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Drew Goretzka, the economic development reporter for Albuquerque Business First, who also covers the film and cannabis industries.
How did you get your start in the media? What is your story?
I’ve always wanted to be a journalist, going back to when I created the “Goretzka Gazette” circa 2011, which reported on all the important things going on in my family like my sister’s tee-ball games and my dad’s promotion.
I eventually wrote for my high school newspaper before heading to Michigan State University to study journalism. There, I joined the student paper — The State News — where I worked my way up from investigative reporter to managing editor by my final semester. Throughout college I interned at a few outlets, including Automotive News, a Detroit-based industry paper, as part of the Dow Jones News Fund program.
Upon graduating in May 2023, I was hired as economic development reporter for Albuquerque Business First. I couldn’t have landed in a better place and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to tell business stories that matter to New Mexicans.
Tell us about your beat and what you prefer to be pitched?
My beat allows me to cover pretty much anything that creates money or jobs. I’ve had the opportunity to dive into nearly every sector in the state, including agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. However, my focuses are the cannabis and film industries — often called the “fun beats” in the office. I also love covering issues that are tied to business but often don’t get the coverage they deserve, like food access, homelessness and Indigenous representation in media.
As for how I like to be pitched, just give me a call! I would much rather talk candidly about a potential story than get it through a release. If a release is the only avenue available, I urge all PR professionals to include contact info at the end, especially a phone number. We are always going to have follow-up questions regardless of how detailed it is.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Southwest Michigan, near Kalamazoo. If you’re familiar with Bell’s beer, it comes from my hometown.
Favorite color?
Green! I lucked out with it matching my future college.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
This is something that’s going to change every time I’m asked. All The President’s Men (journalist cliché, I know), Moneyball and Goodfellas are near the top of my movie list. As for television, I don’t think there’s ever been a better series than The Sopranos. Some of my other favorites are Cyberpunk Edgerunners (an underrated anime), Narcos and any Anthony Bourdain show.
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
As a relative newbie to Albuquerque, I’m still triangulating my go-to spots. Thai Spice probably has the best Thai food in the city and Duran’s Station tops my New Mexican rankings so far. Coda Bakery in the International District has the best bánh mi I’ve had outside of Vietnam.
One thing that readers would be surprised to know about you?
I was in the Army — or at least the National Guard. I was deployed to Kosovo back in 2020 with an aviation unit as part of the NATO mission there.
Contact Email: dgoretzka@bizjournals.com
