Meet IndyStar local news editor Shari Rudavsky

It takes a staff of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from around Central Indiana. In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our newsroom staff — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves. Up this week is Shari Rudavsky.

What’s your job title?

Local news editor for entertainment and business

When did you join IndyStar?

2004

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Meeting strangers who tell me that IndyStar has had an effect of any sort on their lives. That impact may range from trying a certain restaurant, changing their outlook on an issue or leading them to take action, all based on something they read either in our physical paper or online.

Why journalism?

I staunchly believe that the role of journalists consists of informing our community about the issues that matter in our lives and bring us together.

What do you do to unwind from a job that can be stressful?

Read, walk, do the New York Times Wordle, Spelling Bee and crossword puzzles.

What song do you shamelessly jam out to in the car?  

“Naked Eye” by Luscious Jackson. Yep, you’ve probably never heard it.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

“Be yourself” — the last words my father said to me with the wish I pass them on to my son, his only grandchild.

If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one? 

Can I just take over for Terri Gross, queen of the NPR show “Fresh Air,” when she retires?

What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?

My first job out of college was at Penthouse magazine. Seriously, I worked for Omni magazine, a now-defunct science magazine, as an editorial assistant, and Omni was published by Penthouse. Every morning I walked by a huge photo on the wall of Bob Guccione with a topless “pet” on his lap.

What’s the meanest tweet ever directed at you?

Not a Tweet and not the meanest (because I did write about abortion for several years so had unspeakably mean comments hurled in my direction), but years ago an IndyStar reader wrote to tell me that I needed to do something about my eyebrows.

How did you earn your first dollar?

I earned my first money pairing socks for the family laundry at the generous salary of “a penny a pair.” Since my family only had three people in it, my first full dollar was earned babysitting.

What’s your favorite comfort food?

New York City poppy or everything bagel toasted with butter