New Years alway open with New momentum, and New opportunities if you subscribe to the Stylists Suite. 

This edition delivers what working writers and media professionals actually need: active editors looking for pitches, where to send them, what they’re buying, and who’s making decisions right now.

EDITORS ON THE HUNT

Inside, you’ll find paid opportunities across food, culture, lifestyle, business, and arts reporting; direct pitch contacts and submission links; and timely editorial moves that signal where coverage is opening up in 2026.

MIAMI NEW TIMES — FOOD & RESTAURANT COVERAGE

Miami New Times is actively looking for freelance writers to cover breaking food and restaurant news, including openings, closings, chef profiles, pop-ups, and local food culture stories in Miami and South Florida.

Where to send pitch: nicole.lopez-alvar@miaminewtimes.com

SIXTY INCHES FROM CENTER — ARTS, BLACK CULTURE & COMMUNITY STORIES

This Chicago-based arts publication is seeking pitches centered on Black culture, visual arts, performance, and community-driven storytelling, with a strong cultural and social lens.

Where to send pitch: WriteForSixty@sixtyinchesfromcenter.org

THE FOOD SECTION — SOUTHERN FOOD & DRINK STORIES

The Food Section is accepting pitches focused on Southern food, drink, restaurants, chefs, and food systems, with an emphasis on culture, history, and community-driven narratives.

Where to send pitch: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdS5C3tMr3HuSeUApGqQlNUPSZL6FkEMD6PU1V_zDjBM6wx7w/viewform

EDITORIAL MOVES

We’re also tracking new hires and relaunches at major outlets—so you know who to build relationships with early—and highlighting major festivals and conferences where press access can turn into bylines, visibility, and long-term work.

DEANNA FRY JOINED CNN AS SENIOR PRODUCER

Meet Deanna Fry, an award-winning Senior Producer with over 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism. She currently serves as Senior Producer for CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish, where she leads editorial vision and live production, shaping impactful storytelling that elevates unheard voices and reflects America in full.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannafrytv/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannafrytv/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannafrytv/
MuckRack: https://muckrack.com/deannafrytv
Blog: https://www.deannafry.com/
Portfolio: https://www.deannafry.tv/

OLAFIMIHAN OSHIN STARTING A NEW POSITION AS STAFF WRITER AT SIDELNR SPORTS

Meet Olafimihan Oshin, an accomplished journalist and reporter with over 2,100 published articles spanning breaking news, politics, and sports. He brings a strong background in content strategy, research, and analytics, delivering high-quality reporting in fast-paced environments while crafting data-driven stories that support growth, reach, and audience engagement.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olafimihan-oshin-40a82a155/
Twitter/ X: https://x.com/olafimihanoshin
Website: https://oshinfimihan.wixsite.com/myeportfolio
Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/olafimihan-oshin

ALEXIA MCKAY IS RELAUNCHING HER PUBLICATION (ROYALTEE MAGAZINE)

Meet Alexia McKay, an award-winning journalist and content creator with over a decade of experience across television news, public relations, publishing, and social media management. She is known for crafting strategic, media-savvy campaigns, securing placements in over 100 outlets nationwide, and earning recognition from RTNDA, Qwoted, and the Google News Initiative.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexia-mckay/
Twitter/ X: https://twitter.com/AlexiaMcKayProd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexiaMcKayProducer?ref=hl

EDITORIAL MOVES

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SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST CONFERENCE & FESTIVALS (SXSW 2026)

Date: March 12-18, 2026
Overview: One of America’s most influential combined conferences and festivals covering music, film, tech, business, innovation, culture, gaming, and media networking. It features keynote speakers, industry panels, film premieres, showcases across genres, and month-long cultural programming.

Media Credentials: SXSW Press Accreditation information and application details: https://sxsw.com/press-center/press-accreditation/?

FOOD NETWORK SOUTH BEACH WINE & GOOD FESTIVAL (SOBEWFF)

Date: February 19-22, 2026
Location: Miami, Florida
Overview: Major culinary festival showcasing celebrity chefs, wine tastings, dinners, demos, and food culture experiences. A top event for food writers, culinary trend pieces, and lifestyle coverage. 

Media Credentials: https://sobewff.org/media/press/

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Date: April 23- May 3, 2026
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Overview: Legendary multi-weekend music and culture festival that celebrates jazz roots alongside rock, blues, R&B, hip hop, and Louisiana food & craft traditions. Coverage spans music culture, heritage storytelling, and community impact.

Media credentials: https://www.nojazzfest.com/press/?

View December 29th Edition of the Stylists Suite News