Tonya Pendleton on Muck Rack

Tonya Pendleton

Verified
Philadelphia, United States
Covers:  Entertainment, arts and culture in Philadelphia, weekend events listings. African American news, entertainment, sports, men's fashion, wine, spirits, art, Black-owned business, Philadelphia news
Host "Reality Check" on WURD Radio, Host "Things to Do" on WHYY. Do-it-all multimedia writer/editor/broadcaster, true funk soldier.

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

Writing for an independent newspaper in NYC

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes

How is social media changing news?

It has given more power to citizen journalists.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

Hildy Johnson from "His Girl Friday."

What does it mean to be a journalist?

That you can provide credible information that can improve people's understanding of the world.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

Don't have an answer for this one - on X, something new every day!

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

Politely

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

MacBook Pro, WordPress, Google suite, AirPods,

What's your favorite social network?

It was Clubhouse but after that, honestly, Pinterest.

Who do you wish followed you?

Michelle Obama

Why did you become a journalist?

It was a calling since the time I was a kid and wanted to know "Why?" about everything.

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

I did not!

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

I'm most proud of achieving longevity in a tough media landscape. But I've also interviewed Prince.

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

Tell the truth

When's the best time to pitch you?

Early is good as I start my day early. But only on email before 10 a.m.

What's the best pitch you ever got?

The one that led me to Paisley Park!

What's the worst pitch you ever got?

Any pitch where it's obvious the person has no idea what I cover.

What's your favorite drink?

Wine!

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

On the air or at an event.

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

New York magazine

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

I have multiple beats by much of my work is and has been in Black media.

Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview? Create a Muck Rack profile.