On Background: Meet Genna Contino, our local government reporter
This Q&A vignette is a part of an going series called “On Background” to reacquaint readers with the team of journalists working in our newsroom.
Genna Contino comes to the Charlotte Observer after launching her career in South Carolina, first at The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, later at The Greenville News. While in Spartanburg, she covered growth and development; in Greenville, her focus was county government, affordable housing and gentrification.
A University of South Carolina graduate, Genna’s passion is to report on housing, transportation, poverty and equity. The people who fall within the margins are an important part of our community with important stories to tell, she said. Covering local government is an opportunity to uplift those stories by reporting on policy decisions impacting Charlotteans’ day-to-day lives.
Recently, the Rock Hill native teamed with the Charlotte Journalism Collaborative to report on solutions to Charlotte’s housing crisis, and what could work in a city where apartment rentals under $1,000 are nonexistent.
She’s open to story tips and conversations about local government, so reach Genna at gcontino@charlotteobserver.com, on Twitter at @GennaContino.
How did you get into journalism?
I worked for my student newspaper in high school and college. I saw how journalism can make a positive impact in communities and decided to study it in college and make it my career.
What excites you about this field?
I’m inspired by my colleagues who inform readers and hold those in power accountable.
What is the most interesting aspect of your beat/job?
I get to meet cool people! From your representative on City Council, to the person you see on the bus on your morning commute or even Steph Curry when he received a key to the city — the people are why I do this.
Words of wisdom you’ve received?
It’s something my mom always told me that I think about before making any decision — in journalism and life: Am I using my best judgment?
Proud life moments? Something you’d like to improve?
I’m proud of stories I’ve written that have raised awareness and helped vulnerable communities. At the last newspaper I worked at, a company manager read one of my stories on what the average worker would need to make to afford housing. That company raised its starting wage to match it.
I’m excited to tell stories like these here in Charlotte as I learn more about city and county government, and continue to settle into my new home in the Queen City.
Fun fact about you?
I trained in classical ballet for 14 years before choosing journalism as a career.
This story was originally published October 31, 2022 at 8:00 AM.
