Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Bruck.
Taylor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a journalist and make a difference in the world. Growing up, I would sit in front of the TV fascinated by the anchors of television shows like the Today Show Good Morning America and, of course, Oprah and Ellen. I also idolized the hosts of shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “The Voice.” I grew up wanting to be like Oprah and Today Show anchor Hoda Kotb.
I decided to pursue my dreams by attending the renowned E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, where I majored in broadcast journalism. While in college, I had the incredible opportunity to intern for the Today Show twice, once in New York City and again in Los Angeles. During my internships, I was able to meet my idol, Hoda Kotb, and talk with her about my future. I even assisted on set with Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Madison Beer, Doctor Oz, and many more well-known celebrities. I was asked to be a part of a segment the Today Show was producing about the growth of society 50 years after the Stonewall Riots and what more still needs to be done regarding gay rights and inclusion. At the time, I was interviewed because I was coming out of the closet as a gay woman, and they wanted perspectives from all generations. I had been out to my family at the time, but what an opportunity it was to come out to all of America.
When I graduated from OU, I was grateful to get my first job in my home state, working for Spectrum News 1 Ohio, a statewide news network. I worked as a multimedia journalist based in Cleveland for my first three years. In my fourth year working for the company, I was promoted to anchor/reporter, and I focus on stories related to diversity, sustainability, and all things regarding chip manufacturing giant, Intel, locating a production facility in Central Ohio. At 25 years old, I was recognized with my first Emmy for my reporting on a 30-minute television special I produced called “Remaking Ohio: The New Power Play,” where I explored Ohio’s role in the race for renewable energy.
As a gay journalist, I work to give a voice to marginalized communities and bring light to important stories that provide different perspectives. I seek to introduce viewers to people they might not otherwise meet, even if it’s through a screen, and to connect us through our common humanity. Authenticity is my mantra, so what you see on your TV screen, on my social media, or in real life is the same Taylor. I try to enjoy the little things in life and encourage others to not take life too seriously; have fun, dance, sing, smile, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or laugh at yourself. Life goes by fast, so don’t be afraid to live it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I am very blessed to have a fulfilling career at my age, working for Spectrum News. My role allows me to tell impactful stories that matter and inform and educate Ohioans on topics they otherwise might not know about. Spectrum News reporters are able to highlight nonprofits and positive events happening in our communities, which I think is just as important, if not more so, than covering negative news. There’s a lot of good happening in our world, and I love working for a news station that allows our viewers to walk away from our newscasts feeling encouraged and inspired.
Throughout my journey, I have struggled with self-love and acceptance. Being gay, it hasn’t always been easy to be confident in who I am and be open and transparent. While I was fortunate to have family acceptance, I worried about how being openly gay would impact my career in TV, fearing it might limit my opportunities. I vacillated in college about coming out on my social media but ultimately decided it wasn’t fair for me to encourage my interviewees to be authentic if I wasn’t being truthful myself. I started a YouTube channel in college called TAYtalks, which stood for Totally Authentically You, and I interviewed a variety of people who had overcome various obstacles. Some people identified as LGBTQ+; some had parents who committed suicide, and others struggled with mental health issues. I wanted to explore how they navigated their life, overcame adversity, and yet still remained positive. In doing these interviews, I was transparent with my followers, telling them the truth about who I was and why I had such a passion for showing others that we aren’t so different after all. I made the difficult yet self-affirming decision in college that I didn’t want to work for a news station where I had to hide who I am.
It’s important to me to be visible to others, to show people that you can be anything you want to be in life by overcoming your own limiting beliefs.
This past December, I said the word “girlfriend” on air for the first time during a casual conversation with my co-anchor when we were discussing holiday plans. I simply said, “I’m going to Cleveland to visit my girlfriend” and while to many people it may not be a big deal, to me, it was a first. I posted about it on my social media, and before I knew it, the post had gone viral. Currently, that post has more than 3.4 million views and thousands of comments thanking me for my visibility. The online publication People.com even picked up the story and interviewed me for an article that has been republished in multiple news outlets around the world. This coverage highlights that we still have room for growth around diversity and inclusion in our society.
I am so grateful to Spectrum News 1 and the people who work there, who knew who I was from the start and have allowed me to tell empowering stories about all types of people in Ohio. They have allowed this young journalist to continue finding her voice and purpose in life.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I love a good self-improvement or motivational book! Some of my favorites include “Letting Go: The Pathway to Surrender,” “Followed: The Content Creators Guide to Being Seen, Facing Judgement, and Building an Authentic Personal Brand,” and Hoda Kotb’s inspirational quote book “I Really Needed This Today.”
I’m also a big advocate for working out and moving your body. I love doing CrossFit, yoga, and trying new things like breathwork and Reiki to help calm the mind and prompt me to live in the present moment and practice gratitude for each experience life brings.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TaylorBruckTV
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaylorBruckTV/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-bruck-79b288127
- Twitter: @TaylorBruckTV
Image Credits
Taylor Bruck
