Four Memphis biz journalists joining new publication

The Daily Memphian, an online newspaper slated to start publication this fall, has hired four business journalists from the Memphis area as part of its staff.

Wayne Risher, who has been covering Federal Express for The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal, is joining the new publication. He had been at the Commercial Appeal since July 1983 and also covered aviation, transportation and downtown Memphis development.

Tom Bailey, who has been covering commercial real estate for the Commercial Appeal, is also joining the Daily Memphian.

The two other hires are from the Memphis Business Journal.

Michelle Corbet had been at the Business Journal since February 2015. She covered transportation including FedEx, Memphis International Airport, river commerce, railroad, trucking and logistics, as well as downtown Memphis and economic development.

She also developed the business of city government beat, in which she covered decisions by the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission that affected businesses and business owners.

Elle Perry had been at the Business Journal since December 2016 as a digital producer and social engagement editor.

She managed the paper’s social media accounts, its twice-a day-email newsletter, and stayed abreast of news from sister papers to pull in for its readers. She tracked analytics for social media and email and devised strategies to make sure stories reached as many interested parties as possible.

Perry also covered tourism and hospitality, health care and startups.