Tanji McDougle

Tanji R. (Mcdougle) Patton is a multi-faceted personality, known for her passion for food, wine, and her journalism career. Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, to Melvin Ralph McDougle and Jan Sharon Cauthen, she is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has made a name for herself in the world of culinary and wine exploration. She is the host and executive producer of the popular television series, "Goodtaste with Tanji," where she showcases the best chefs and restaurants from all over Texas, and airs in 15 markets. Along with her husband Mike, Tanji also produces a digital show at Goodtaste.tv, working with top chefs and winemakers to create compelling content for viewers. Throughout her career, Tanji has also made a significant impact as an investigative reporter, with many of her in-depth reports gaining statewide and national attention. Her coverage of controversial issues, such as racial discrimination in the child adoption process, has led to changes in Texas state law. She has also reported from the Pentagon and the USS Theodore Roosevelt during the war in Afghanistan, bringing critical information to audiences around the world. Aside from her journalistic pursuits, Tanji is also a passionate wine and food enthusiast, traveling the world with her husband Mike to visit vineyards and take wine classes. She has obtained the WSET Level 2 certification from the prestigious Wine Spirit and Education Trust of London and has taken numerous culinary courses at the Culinary Institute of America’s campus in San Antonio. Tanji's unique combination of culinary expertise and journalistic skill make her a standout personality in her field, captivating audiences with her fun and entertaining content. On April 28, 2004, Tanji found herself at the center of a legal battle when USAA sued Clear Channel Communications and WOAI-TV, where Tanji worked as a reporter, over confidential material used in a February newscast about job outsourcing. Despite USAA's demands that Clear Channel and Tanji return a videotape and management manual, a state judge ruled in favor of the defendant. Tanji's lawyer was Mark Cannan. Throughout her career, Tanji has been recognized for her contributions to journalism. As of 2019, she was working for KRGV-ABC and listed herself as a Broadcast Journalist and Executive Producer at Goodtaste TV, LLC. Tanji's achievements have also earned her a place on the Delta Gamma website, where she is honored for her notable contributions (See Notable Delta Gamma ).