The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication is pleased to announce the appointment of Jody Brannon as program manager for the new Murrow News Fellowship at Washington State University.
Brannon, a nationally recognized leader in journalism innovation, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the news industry and journalism education. She previously served in roles with the Center for Journalism and Liberty, the Tow-Knight Center for Entrepreneurial Journalism, and the Carnegie-Knight News 21 initiative. Brannon, who holds a doctorate in mass communication from the University of Maryland, also has held senior roles at national news leaders including The Washington Post, USA Today, and the Online News Association. Brannon started her journalism career in Washington state, including roles at the Tacoma News Tribune and the Seattle Times.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jody to our team at the Murrow College of Communication,” said Benjamin Shors, chair of the Department of Journalism and Media Production at the Murrow College. “With her extensive background in state and national journalism and her passion for education, Jody will be an outstanding leader for this innovative program.”
In her new capacity as program manager, Brannon will oversee the Murrow News Fellowship program, a state-funded initiative that offers early-career journalists the opportunity to report on civic affairs in underserved communities, both rural and urban. The program is one of the first of its kind in the country.
Although she spent much of her career in the other Washington, Brannon feels fortunate now to be home, helping the Murrow College work toward another model of support for local journalism and ultimately democracy. She hopes not only to spark the careers of outstanding emerging talent but contribute to testing an approach to community journalism that other states might follow.
“Our nation needs brave new approaches to informing communities, and this fellowship program holds great promise in being one of them,” said Brannon. “I am excited and humbled to be among those individuals, groups and funders across the country trying new things. Here in Washington state, our goal is to direct sharp minds to embolden local reporting in communities that need more.”
General questions about the program and applications should be directed to bshors@wsu.edu.