Meet Reporter McKenna Schueler
You hear her in-depth reports and comprehensive newscasts. Meet the journalist behind the mic.
Photo credit Dave Decker
Q. How did you get your start in journalism? Did you write for school papers?
A. I did not. Truth is, in my younger years, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to pull this kind of job off. I was very introverted and had health issues in high school and undergrad that held me back from exploring what I was capable of. I wrote for The Odyssey Online as part of a team of USF students for a few months in college. But, my real foray into journalism began with a cold pitch in 2020 to Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s editor-in-chief Ray Roa. I pitched a profile via email on a local group of young, Black abolitionists that had risen up during the early days of the George Floyd protests. He responded within minutes, and the rest is history! I’ve always been interested in storytelling, and lifting up the voices of those speaking on issues that resonate with broader communities. Not just the voices of elected officials who have the “right” thing to say – although those voices can be informative, and important to broadcast – but everyday people like you and me.
Q. You started out in print journalism. What made you move to radio news?
A. Simply put: I got this job with WMNF! I’ve never worked in radio before, so this has been a novel experience. But through this work, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to learn what I can do with storytelling through the audio format. As I told someone recently, I love the ability to broadcast the voices of our community members for others to hear through my reporting or as I’m anchoring afternoon headlines.
Q. Our listeners know the importance of independent journalism. But what would you emphasize to those who may not realize what goes on behind the scenes in news?
A. First, regardless of what hours you’re actually scheduled for, reporting isn’t a part-time job. It’s not always 9–5. It’s very involved. Meaningful reporting relies on your ability to connect with people, build relationships with key stakeholders in the community you’re covering — from everyday working people, to elected officials, subject matter experts, and activists. Sometimes that means scheduling an interview at 7 AM on a Saturday, or 8 PM on a Tuesday night because the person you need to speak with also works normal hours on the weekdays. And not to romanticize the grind, but you do it because you know their voice is essential to the story. Good reporting also requires research. Taking the time to really delve into the topic you’re covering, to see how others are covering it, learn the history behind it, and sometimes speaking to multiple people to better understand the nuances — and most importantly, to ensure you’re communicating that to your audience efficiently and accurately.
Q. What is the biggest challenge facing journalists today?
A. I can’t speak on behalf of all journalists (or anyone but myself), but for smaller newsrooms, I imagine a larger issue is not having the time, space, or resources to always do the work that you want to, especially when it comes to investigative work. Newsrooms are increasingly tasked with doing more with less — and there’s always important news to cover: From city council meetings, to community events, police violence, to holding people in positions of authority accountable to their actions and words. With small newsrooms, material support from community members is essential. As is general feedback. If you learned something from something we reported, or appreciated our coverage of an issue, please tell us! But also, if you’re dissatisfied with coverage of an issue — what context are we missing? What stories aren’t we telling?
Q. When you’re not being an ace reporter and anchor, what do you do for fun?
A. Very sneaky compliment, thank you. I enjoy reading a lot, singing, going to live music shows, riding my bike. I appreciate the simple pleasures — belting songs I no longer have the range for in the car, going on a walk with a friend, sitting by a bonfire in someone’s backyard on a cool night, or grabbing a drink and/or a cigar in Ybor on the weekends. And really, I’m not terribly hard to please — when I’m out doing something with others, it’s the company I’m with that matters more than what I’m doing.
Q. What would you like to add?
A. It’s a privilege to be able to grab the most important headlines of the day and share them with y’all every weekday afternoon (save Wednesdays, when WMNF’s fantastic Meghan Bowman takes the reins). We, the community, are all in this together — We’re more powerful when we’re in communication with each other, listening to one another, having that willingness to question ourselves and our conceptions of those around us, and speaking truth to power.
