#MediaMonday – Tara Kirkpatrick
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from Tara Kirkpatrick, a contributing writer and editor for BizTucson, a quarterly glossy business magazine in Southern Arizona with a daily interactive website and twice-weekly e-newsletter.
So, Tara, time to share!
Tell us how you got your start in journalism? Tell us your story!
I’m a graduate of the University of Arizona School of Journalism, where I was blessed to study with the great Don Carson and an incredible faculty. I also worked for the Arizona Daily Wildcat all through school. After graduation, I was able to get a job with the Associated Press and worked in the Phoenix, Minneapolis and Atlanta bureaus covering some incredible national stories and figures including the 1996 Olympics, Richard Jewell, Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tell us how you came to start working in the Arizona media scene?
After the AP, I moved back to Arizona and worked in public relations. Now a mom, I’ve totally enjoyed being a freelance writer, working for regional publications. I’ve worked with BizTucson Magazine and publisher Steve Rosenberg for more than 10 years as a writer and this past year, became a contributing editor.
Where did you grow up?
I’m a Texas girl, born and raised. I grew up in El Paso and Midland.
Where do you live now?
I live in beautiful Tucson now.
Favorite color?
Wildcat red and blue.
Favorite/least favorite food?
A cheeseburger and fries is the best meal ever.
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a huge football fan!
I watch more ESPN than Netflix.
I also write a Tucson fashion blog called Zona Girl.
Do you take pitches? If so, any guidelines?
For BizTucson Magazine and for the twice-weekly BizTucson News Update, we do take pitches and are most interested in business stories with a Tucson and Southern Arizona angle–those that directly impact our region. We also want new hires and promotions, people on the move. Our newsletter and people items also need photos (preferably not logos) to go with each press release. In fact, the best press release sent our way for the newsletter has a pertinent photo attached as well.
What is the lead time you need for content or pitches?
We accept content and pitches throughout the year.
What should (and shouldn’t) people be pitching to you?
BizTucson focuses on business and industry for Tucson and Southern Arizona. We want to know about new companies relocating here, new headquarters, new branches, and initiatives that impact regional economic development and the local workforce, interesting features on unique businesses, etc. We want to highlight this region above all else.
What is the best way to reach you?
The best way to reach me is by email, tara@biztucson.com.
To receive the BizTucson News Update, please register at BizTucson.com/NEWS.
