We’re beginning December with another Meet the Media Monday! The series features a brief Q&A with leading Charlotte media as we get to know the faces behind the stories that matter most in the Queen City. This week, meet Emma Way of Charlotte magazine.
Emma is one of Charlotte’s leading journalists, writing about everything from retail to local controversy. We sat down with Emma to discuss the latest Charlotte news, her encounter with the Jonas Brothers and much more. Learn about Emma below!
What’s the craziest story you’ve ever covered?
EW: “I was in my hostel in Panama City, Panama when I saw Eat Work Play’s gala had been postponed. I shot Davon a text and we talked and then I started pondering the charitable aspect and shot an email to the charity from last year to double-check facts of an event. I didn’t expect to get anything out of that.” Check out Emma’s story here for the full scoop.
If you could write for any publication what would it be?
EW: “Charlotte magazine! It was my dream job. I always resonated with the publication.”
Something people would be surprised to learn about you?
EW: “I don’t own a car. I exclusively take public transit and then I have a bike and walk everywhere.”
If you weren’t a journalist/editor what would you be?
EW: “A politician. I studied politics in college.” Emma has no plans to run for office at this time.
What attracted you to journalism?
EW: “I’ve always seen it as this noble career field and I remember watching movies about badass journalists and I see it as an essential part of society that I just wanted to contribute. Spotlight and Sacha Pfeiffer who reported on that team—I actually got to meet her and she’s the sister of Sonya Pfeiffer that owns the Elder Gallery here in Charlotte. She’s (Sacha) one of my idols in this industry. I was Editor in Chief of my college newspaper and it reaffirmed what I wanted to do in my career.”
What are the challenges you face being a journalist in 2019?
EW: “Specifically, right now it’s a challenge because a large part of the public believes the media isn’t truthful when all journalists I know are truthful. The internet. So many free sources of advertising revenue so some people don’t want to invest in local media. Resources are tighter. Charlotte magazine hasn’t been affected as much as other publications.”
How long have you lived in Charlotte? What brought you here?
EW: “3.5 years. I moved right after college. I started reaching out to southeast magazines and started at Charlotte magazine as a freelancer and worked in marketing when a full-time position opened up almost 2 years ago and I applied. I started as Associate Editor and now I’m Editor-in-Chief.”
What’s your favorite activity in Charlotte?
EW: “Probably kayaking when it’s warm out either from the Whitewater Center or the Catawba River’s other points of entry. I’m not a great kayaker but it’s one of my favorite ways to recharge. I also really love the library.”
What’s one thing you wish you could change about Charlotte?
EW: “I wish more people didn’t drive! I wish our transit system was more complete and I know they’re working on it which is great. Charlotte was always built for cars. A greater understanding of ‘don’t kill pedestrians.’”
What has surprised you the most (good or bad) about Charlotte?
EW: “Charlotte has a lot of really unique details. Little pockets of art that you don’t notice on a day to day life. I think the city is really vibrant and so are many pockets of the community. It’s a vibrancy I didn’t expect from a relatively new city.”
What’s your favorite season in Charlotte and why?
EW: “Probably the summer! I know it’s really hot so I probably shouldn’t. I love the patio spaces.”
Want to learn more about Charlotte magazine? Head to their website or follow along on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook for the latest.
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