Groundbreaking news executive to deliver Spring 2025 Cronkite Convocation address

Accomplished business leader and media executive Rashida Jones will deliver the spring 2025 convocation address at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Jones most recently served as president of MSNBC, overseeing a multi-platform operation including television, digital, streaming and film. Under her leadership, MSNBC achieved record-breaking viewership growth and was consistently ranked as the second-most-watched cable network, all while driving transformative organizational success.

"I am honored and excited to celebrate the next generation of journalists," Jones said. "Walter Cronkite once said, "'Journalism is what we need to make democracy work.' It is a privilege to stand before these future leaders as they embark on their journey to inform, inspire and make a lasting impact."

Jones' career started while she was in college, working as a morning show producer at WTKR in Norfolk, Virginia. She later worked at The Weather Channel as a producer and director of live programming. After working in other roles, she moved to MSNBC, working her way from executive producer of daytime shows to senior vice president. 

In 2021, Jones succeeded Phil Griffin as president of MSNBC, becoming the first African American to run a major cable news network.

Over the years, Jones has earned numerous accolades: 

She's a recipient of the 2023 RTDNA Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment Award, the 2023 Alliance for Women in Media's Gracies Leadership Award and the 2022 New York National Urban League Frederick Douglass Leadership Award, in addition to multiple Emmy Awards.

Cronkite School Dean Battinto Batts, Jr. believes Jones' message will resonate with graduates and their loved ones.

"It has been a pleasure to watch Rashida—my former student—quickly rise through the ranks over the past two decades," Batts said. "Rashida has had an up-close view of the rapid changes in the industry, and I believe her address will inspire our graduates to meaningfully impact the future of media."

Jones will address Cronkite graduates at Cronkite Convocation Thursday, May 15, at 2 p.m. (Arizona time), at Desert Financial Arena.

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