WASHINGTON (Oct. 16, 2019)–National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) President Dorothy Tucker has appointed Kathy Chaney as the editor of the NABJ Journal. Chaney is a veteran and award-winning, multiplatform journalist, editor and executive.
The Journal serves as NABJ’s official publication for organizational, member and industry news and is distributed nationally. Chaney will also serve as the editor of the NABJ Bulletin. The Bulletin will be a monthly email newsletter distributed to members and partners during the second week of each month. The newsletter will begin publication in January 2020. Chaney will begin her role as editor with an upcoming issue highlighting NABJ’s 2019 honorees.
Chaney is a former NABJ-Chicago Chapter president and currently serves as the Chicago Sun-Times deputy managing editor for breaking news and staff development. She previously served as managing editor at EBONY Magazine. Prior to that, she served as a producer/reporter at Chicago Public Media, senior executive producer at Midway Broadcasting, and managing editor of the Chicago Defender. Chaney also has contributed to the Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press and Thomas Reuters. She is an advocate for newsroom diversity.
“Kathy is a longtime NABJ member who has been active in elevating our cause and dedicated to our success,” said Tucker. “She is respected in the industry and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our publications. I am committed to empowering our members with information as well as celebrating them, the progress of our organization and our industry. Her vision for our publications will help ensure these goals are accomplished. I also want to take this time to extend my gratitude to past NABJ Journal Contributing Editors Michael Days and Angela Dodson, as well as our writers and other staff for their hard work and dedication.”
The Journal will be published twice a year with a summer/fall issue and a winter/spring issue. Both publications will have a new online presence on the NABJ.org website beginning in January.
“As the organization rolls into its 45th year, I’m thrilled to serve the beloved NABJ family in this capacity,” Chaney said. “I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and continue a working relationship with Madison ‘Joe’ Gray while bringing Alyxaundria Sanford into the fold to keep the membership informed and engaged.”
Gray, former digital managing editor at EBONY and current independent digital editor and contributor at theGrio, will serve as deputy editor. Sanford, a digital trainer for the Society of Professional Journalists and former audience engagement/homepage editor at the New York Daily News, will serve as copy editor.
New and returning sections to look out for in these publications include:
- Ask NABJ -Members can submit anonymous questions about issues they are dealing with in the newsroom, while on assignment and in media-related professions. Members can also request career advice from the student level and up. Questions will be answered by a panel of 4-5 of our esteemed members.
- Collegiate Corner – The future of NABJ, our student members, will share their voice and their work.
- NABJ Congrats – We will shine the spotlight on members making moves in the industry.
- In Memoriam – We will remember those who we’ve recently lost and those whose shoulders we stand on.
- Innovation Corner – We will explore the latest trends in technology for journalists and communicators.
- President’s Corner – The President will offer updates and other important messages.
- NABJ History-We will take a look at NABJ’s history and our impact over the years.
Members of all levels interested in contributing content or story tips to the Journal or Bulletin may contact Chaney at journal@nabj.org.