The team of journalists at New York works hard to bring you conversation-starting stories. But who exactly are these editors and writers? Get to know them with a New York Minute, our interview series where we ask staff about their lives, and their careers. Next up: social media editor Bailey Malone Kircher.
You’re on the social media team at New York. Do you have a favorite platform? Tell us what you like about it.
Instagram! I’m a bit biased because I run our Instagram account so I spend … more hours than I’d like to admit on the app every day … but even as a normal social media user, Instagram is by far my favorite. Instagram Stories is what really seals the deal for me. That’s where I let loose and have fun with it and then I save more curated content for my feed. There’s too much going on on Twitter for me to keep up with. The endless scroll is such a trap.
Tell us about a recent story you produced for Instagram.
One of our recent cover stories was about white supremacists so we had to be extra cautious about how it was covered on social. We worked with our design team to create some Instagram-only graphics to help translate the story onto the platform in a way that was still true to our usual content, but that could tell the story in a more digestible way.
You just returned from Park City, where you managed social media efforts for New York’s brands at The Vulture Spot, where editors interviewed and photographed top talent from Sundance’s most anticipated films. Let’s talk about surprises and snubs. Who came by the studio? Any unexpected guests or no-shows?
We had a great talent lineup this year. Lin-Manuel Miranda came through with his dad, Luis, and it was such a pure interaction I couldn’t stop smiling. Can confirm for you all that Glenn Close, Kelly Rowland, and Will Ferrell are delightful. The only no-show that really stung for me was Bo Burnham. I’m a big fan of his and was so excited when I saw him on our list but unfortunately, his group had to cancel last minute. If you’re reading this Bo, I won’t hold it against you.
Tell us three films that stood out to you at this year’s festival. What should readers look out for in 2020?
After sitting in on the cast interviews, Zola and Minari are two that I’m most interested to see. Andy Samberg’s movie, Palm Springs, sold to Hulu for a record-breaking amount of money (by .69 cents!!) so I’m excited to get to see that from the comfort of my own bed.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s Instagram account.
Does the perfect Instagram bio exist?
That’s a great question and I’m realizing now that I don’t pay too much attention to people’s bios. I’d have to go with Rachel Brosnahan’s: “Mostly my dogs. Sometimes other people’s dogs. Sometimes my face.” Same, Rachel, same.
If you didn’t work for New York, why would you subscribe?
New York covers such a wide range of topics so even if I didn’t have to read it for work, you can bet you’d find me reading recaps on Vulture, and staying tuned in to all the Hot Duck drama on the Cut.
In every print issue, Editors compile The Approval Matrix, our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies. Give us your quick take on the following: Highbrow or lowbrow? Despicable or brilliant?
TikTok: Lowbrow brilliant.
Astrology memes: Lowbrow brilliant.
Cats (the movie): Lowbrow despicable.
Cats (the species): Highbrow brilliant.
You can follow Bailey on Instagram.
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