Tanya Ballard Brown

Writer, Editor, and Mischief-maker in Washington, D.C.

Tanya Ballard Brown

Writer, Editor, and Mischief-maker in Washington, D.C.

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As a 2019 fellow with the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard, I spent an academic year studying how comedic journalism -- the intersection of humor, satire and journalism -- can help journalists connect more with their audiences and build community.

I love pop culture, arts and entertainment, and have laughed loudly on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast and Facebook Live segments. I sing show tunes, dance randomly, take acting, improv, standup comedy and sketch comedy writing classes, perform at standup open mics and storytelling events, front a band made up of NPR staffers and dream of being a bass player. Or Beyonce. Whichever comes first.

When I'm not following my passion for comedy and performing, I'm a seasoned editor with experience brainstorming and implementing digital features, managing producers and interns, crafting promotional text and social media pitches, and writing, editing and reporting for print, digital and radio. Projects I've edited during my time at National Public Radio and The Washington Post have been awarded Peabody, Murrow and Gracie awards, among others.