Finding His Voice: Steven McCoy on Storytelling, Silence, and the Power of Media

For Steven McCoy, journalism isn’t just a career, it’s a lifeline. As a child, bullying left him silenced, struggling with selective mutism, unable to fully share his thoughts with the world. But where words failed, pencils, pens, and paper spoke. He built entire worlds on paper, channeling his imagination and voice through stories, drawings, and poems. That early refuge became the foundation of his calling: telling stories that matter and giving voice to those who feel unheard.

Today, McCoy is a journalist and media historian who has interviewed icons like Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Thicke, and Brandy Norwood, capturing moments that resonate far beyond the headlines. For him, every assignment — from the electric energy of the BMI Awards to the magic of The Wiz Live! on NBC — is an opportunity to connect, to create space, and to amplify voices. His journey is proof that the storyteller you needed as a child can grow up to inspire a generation.

Why did you become a journalist?

Steven: I became a journalist because writing quite literally gave me my voice.

As a child, I experienced a lot of bullying, and it impacted me so deeply that I developed selective mutism. For someone with a wild imagination and big thoughts, not being able to express myself verbally was incredibly isolating.

So I found another outlet.

My pencils and pens became my friends. My erasers, my crayons - they became tools of survival. I would write out my thoughts and feelings. I created stories. I drew pictures and colored around my poetry. I built entire worlds on paper when I felt like I couldn't exist fully in the real one.

That's where my love for storytelling was born.

Journalism, for me, isn't just about asking questions - it's about creating space. It's about making sure voices are heard, especially the ones that feel silenced. In many ways, I became the journalist I needed when I was younger. It's ironic that the place where I once felt silenced is the very field where I built my legacy as a journalist and historian.

What are your top 3 favorite interviews of your career?

Steven: That's honestly such a tough question because I'm incredibly grateful to every person who has trusted me with their story, their project, and their brand. Each interview has meant something different to me at different stages of my career.

But the first three that come to mind are Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Thicke, and Brandy Norwood.

Interviewing Whoopi Goldberg was unforgettable for so many reasons. We shared such a beautiful and emotional conversation that night - it felt bigger than an interview. It was a full-circle moment for me as a journalist, and one I'll always hold close.

Robin Thicke stands out because he believed in me early in my career, at a time when not many people knew my name. That kind of support stays with you. It wasn't just an interview - it was affirmation.

And Brandy Norwood was incredibly special as well. She's someone I grew up admiring, so having that moment to sit across from her as a professional was surreal and deeply meaningful.

There are truly so many others I could name, which makes choosing difficult. But those three were pivotal moments in my journey - personally and professionally.

What are the top 3 favorite events you've covered?

Steven: That's another hard one! Over the past 15 years, I've had the privilege of covering some truly incredible events, and each one has left its own mark.

The BMI Awards are always fun and electric - there's something special about being in a room filled with the creatives behind the music we all love.

Covering the Primetime Emmy Awards was a major moment. The energy, the prestige, the celebration of television at that level - it was unforgettable.

Because of my theater background, covering The Wiz Live! on NBC was especially meaningful for me. It blended television and Broadway in such a powerful way, and I felt personally connected to it.

And I have to add the Television Upfronts - who doesn't love covering the Upfronts? It's where the future of television is unveiled, and the excitement in the room is unmatched.

There are so many more I could name, but those definitely stand out.

What advice do you have for aspiring entertainment media professionals?

Steven: Media is a tough business, so my biggest advice is to make sure you truly have a passion for it. A real, burning passion will carry you through the long hours, the fast pace, and the inevitable challenges. If you don't genuinely love what you're doing, it becomes very hard to sustain.

Also, understand that your education doesn't stop at a college degree. This industry is constantly evolving - new platforms, new formats, new technology. You have to remain a student. If you stop learning and adapting, you'll get left behind.

Pay attention and really get to know yourself. If you're not fully there yet, that's okay - but take the time to figure out your strengths, your likes and dislikes, and your tolerance levels. Self-awareness helps you navigate opportunities and pressure with confidence.

It's a fast-paced industry, but don't burn yourself out. I've been told many times to schedule breaks - and it's true. When you love what you do, it's easy to keep going nonstop, especially if you've worked your whole life to get where you are. But longevity matters.

Most importantly, stay curious and stay true to who you are. I actually look forward to Mondays because there's always something new happening. That excitement, that inquisitiveness - that's what keeps you going. Stay authentic, keep learning, and protect your passion.

Be sure to connect online: @stevenmccoy