As WPLN’s Morning News Editor, LaTonya Turner (she/her) is actively involved in the editorial decisions of the newsroom and managing a group of on-air hosts and reporters. Get to know her.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A dancer — from pre-school on. I love most styles and studied performance dance through college, mainly modern, African, precision/high-kick and a bit of tap. I also had a strong interest in fashion design. I liked to sew (my mother taught me; she was an excellent seamstress and tailor), made a few of my outfits in high school and spent a summer immersion in Dallas learning about the fashion design industry. And I’ve always enjoyed writing.
2. What made you want to work for WPLN News?
I’ve been a listener ever since moving to Nashville and value WPLN’s commitment to public service journalism. I’ve been impressed with the recent growth and diversity of the news staff, the elevation of diverse, marginalized voices and enterprise reporting. The station’s plan to add a daily news program (This Is Nashville) is what drew me to apply. It was a big decision for me after so many years as a television reporter/anchor and documentary producer, which I still love. But gravitating from commercial television to public media at Nashville Public Television fueled my natural desire for public service journalism. Doing that kind of work on a daily, consistent basis is why I joined WPLN News. I’m impressed with the collaborative, enthusiasm of the staff and finding the WPLN newsroom culture to be a good fit for my approach to journalism and work in general. Transitioning from TV to radio has been fairly easy, and this is a perfect “season” in my career for a leadership and editorial role in a newsroom like this.
3. a) Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? b) Any favorite Nashville restaurants so far? c) Any places on your “must try” list?
a) I am not a foodie; but I am passionate about the culture and back stories of foods. Growing up in the South, especially in my home state of Louisiana, you learn that food is culture, history, entertainment as much as sustenance. Gumbo is not just stew with seafood. It stems from rich traditions of various cultures and peoples (African, Cajun/French, Native American) who, because they were resourceful, joyful with some swagger created a practical dish that’s now almost a delicacy. The same is true of many cuisines around the world, and I love learning about them and cooking some of them for my family.
b) No offense, but it’s hard to match Louisiana seafood dishes, so I don’t even try to do that here, LOL. Some of my local favs are Redlands Grill, Seafood Sensation (Jefferson Street), Urban Grub, Slim & Husky’s and Swett’s.
c) I’m still COVID-cautious when it comes to dining out. But I’m eager to try some of the new restaurants opened here by celebrity chefs like Maneet Chauhan.
4. What do you like to do for fun outside the office?
I’m a BIG fan of musical theatre and dance performances. I enjoy everything about being in the audience – from studying the playbill, to the curtain warmer, opening number and big finales. It’s even better if I’m with my daughter (an emerging performer) or some theatre friends. I’ve also produced community theatre shows, which I really enjoyed and found to be a wonderful, fun use of my skills. I play piano sometimes to relax — just fun songs from sheet music I’ve collected. And I enjoy doing almost anything with my kids and husband.
5. Where else have you lived besides Middle Tennessee?
Louisiana. I was born there, grew up in the northern part of the state, went to LSU and started my TV career in Shreveport.
BONUS 1: What’s your go-to karaoke song? (Not that we’d ever make you sing it.)
My favorite songs are show tunes, especially from stage musicals. There are so many, it’s hard to pick. I’ll always be fond of the songs from “The Wiz” because as a girl it was the first Broadway musical I saw on tour and it made a huge impression — not just because of the amazing music, but also the casting of phenomenal Black talent and of Black culture. “Ease On Down The Road” and “Home” are classics to me. The Lion King’s “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata” are fun along with most songs written by Alan Menken (who scores most Disney musicals).
BONUS 2: Where is your dream vacation?
For a true, relaxing vacation, I’d go to a tropical place – like Bali, the Maldives or Costa Rica. For a cultural trip, I want to visit Western Africa (probably Ghana) and experience the Door of No Return and the roots of my African ancestry. I also hope to visit Paris and some of the British Isles (I actually have Scotch-Irish ancestry on my mother’s side, the Campbells).
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM