Events

New Location: The New York Times. Early-Bird and Online Registration Ends April 14! 

2025 NABJ Emerging and Investigative Journalists Summit

April 26, 2025 | The New York Times | New York, NY 

Theme: Together We Rise

Thanks to Our Partners and Sponsors:

 

 

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Join the Young Black Journalists Task Force and veteran NABJ Investigative Journalists members for the 2025 NABJ Emerging and Investigative Journalists Summit. The one-day event will feature informative panelists and insightful experts from local news to national network outlets, in addition to a career fair and resume review. Plus: enjoy a special keynote session and exclusive investigative training tools as you take advantage of one-of-a-kind networking opportunities with professionals from across the industry.

Join us in the media capital of the world! All are welcome!

REGISTER HERE!

Schedule Preview

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS 2025 NABJ EMERGING AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISTS SUMMIT PROGRAM

 

Subject to Change.

9:30 – 10:00 AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast – 15th Floor Lobby

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10:00 – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks – Room 115

• Dorothy Tucker, Immediate Past NABJ President and Investigative Reporter, CBS2

• Marc Lacey, Managing Editor, The New York Times

• Janay Reece, Co-Chair, NABJ Young Black Journalists Task Force and Reporter, CBS Baltimore,

• Kayla Solomon, Co-Chair, NABJ Young Black Journalists Task Force and Reporter, FOX News

• Grant Hines, NABJ Student Representative and Desk Assistant, NBC News Washington Bureau

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10 AM – 3:30 PM | Career Fair & Resume Reviews – 15th Floor Lobby

Participants:

• Report for America

• The New York Times

• Gray TV/Investigate TV

• CBS News

• NBCUniversal

Resume reviews provided by the NABJ Business Journalism Task Force.

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10:15 – 11:00 AM | Opening Session: State of the Industry—Let’s Talk About It – Room 115

• Moderator: Walter Smith Randolph, Executive Producer of Investigations, CBS News New York & NABJ Vice President-Broadcast

• Panelists:

  • Dorothy Tucker, Immediate Past NABJ President and Investigative Reporter, CBS2

  • Brandon Pope, Anchor and Host, CW26 Chicago & NABJ-Chicago Chapter President

  • Kayla Solomon, NABJ Young Black Journalists Task Force and Investigative Reporter, FOX 13 News, Memphis

  • Dr. Kortni Lemon, Chair, NABJ Wellness Task Force

This opening panel is a safe space to discuss and examine the rapidly evolving media industry and the increasing pressures. This is the time to decompress, vent, and ask questions of the people who have seen the changes up close and be candid about where the industry is going.

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11:15 AM – Noon | Breakout Sessions 

• FOIA & Find Out – Boardroom

Facilitator:

• • Mark Walker, Washington Correspondent & Investigative Reporter, The New York Times

Join Mark Walker of The New York Times to learn how to dig for the documents you need to make your next investigation pop.

• Understanding & Investigating AI – Idea Lab

  • Facilitators:

    • Lam Thuy Vo, Associate Professor of Data Journalism, CUNY Newmark J-School 

    • Khari Johnson, Tech Reporter, Cal Matters 

In this workshop, reporters will learn about what makes a good Al accountability story, from quick turnaround stories to more ambitious investigations. We will discuss how to look into bias and harm done by algorithmic decision-making mechanisms and will dig deeper into a few examples. Participants need no knowledge of Al.

• #ShiftingGears: Navigating Career Changes in the Media Industry – Room 115

  • Moderator: Tyler Clifford, MBA Candidate, Columbia Business School

  • Panelists:

    • Justin Walters, Host, ACC Network/Sports Center

    • Skubie Mageza, Host, ESPN SnapChat

    • Kay Angrum, Digital Journalist, NBC New York

    • Jasmine Styles, NABJ Treasurer and Live Desk Anchor, WJLA, Washington, D.C.

This panel will examine the factors driving career shifts, including digital transformation and the rise of alternative media roles. Industry experts and current journalists will share insights into their journeys, discussing the skills that transfer across industries and the opportunities for reinvention within the broader media ecosystem. Join us for a discussion on how professionals are adapting, shifting, and thriving in a rapidly changing field. 

 

• Investigative Journalism on the Beat – Room 121

  • Presenter: Jan Ransom, Investigative Reporter, The New York Times

In this session, we’ll share how you can chip away at your investigative story while juggling the demands of your beat. We’ll discuss pitching, following through, maintaining sources, and finding the heart of the narrative.

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• Noon – 12:45 PM | Chat & Chew: In Conversation with Dometi Pongo – 14th Floor Cafe

  • Joyce Philippe, Digital Producer, CNN

  • Panelists: Dometi Pongo, Entertainment Correspondent and Host, MTV

Join us for an engaging chat and chew with award-winning veteran entertainment host and executive producer Dometi Pongo. In this conversation, our host, Joyce Phillippe, will ask Dometi about the shifting landscape of media, how the industry is changing, and valuable insights for those looking to kickstart their careers in entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to hear firsthand advice from one of the industry’s most dynamic voices!

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1 PM – 2 PM | Under Attack: Surviving & Thriving While Press Freedom is Under Attack –  Room 115

• • Moderator: Grant Hines, NABJ Student Representative and Desk Assistant, NBC News Washington Bureau

  • Panelists:

    • Rhyan Henson, Reporter/Anchor, Local News Live, Gray TV

    • Viktorya Vilk, Director for Digital Safety & Free Expression, PEN America

    • Mark Walker, Washington Correspondent & Investigative Reporter, The New York Times

    • Kirstin McCudden, Managing Editor, U.S. Press Freedom Tracker

    • Harlo Holmes, Chief Information Security Officer and Director of Digital Security, Freedom of the Press Foundation

This discussion will highlight how national reporters and newsrooms navigate challenges while continuing to uphold their mission. Panelists will share firsthand experiences, strategies for resilience, and the tools necessary for thriving in hostile environments. This essential conversation underscores the importance of protecting journalism in an era of change.

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2:15 – 3:15 PM | Breakout Sessions 

• • #LevelingUp: How Exactly Do I Take My Career to the Next Level? –  Room 115

    • Moderator: Janay Reece: Co-Chair, NABJ Young Black Journalists Task Force and Reporter, CBS Baltimore

    • Panelists:

      • Poinesha Barnes, Senior Special Projects Producer, ABC 7 Chicago

      • Christopher Nelson, Director of Talent & Recruitment, News Nation

      • Jordyn Holman, Business Reporter, The New York Times

Together we will explore steps young journalists can take to advance their careers, from the early stages to becoming seasoned professionals. This panel brings together experienced journalists to share strategies for growth, including building a strong network, honing storytelling skills, and adapting to industry changes. Whether you’re an emerging journalist looking for guidance or a seasoned professional seeking to reinvent yourself, this discussion will provide actionable insights for navigating career challenges and taking your professional journey to the next level.

• Investigations: Start to Finish – Room 121

  • Moderator: Romelo Styles, Reporter, WPTV West Palm Beach

  • Panelists: 

    • Kayla Solomon: Co-Chair, NABJ Young Black Journalists Task Force and Investigative Reporter, FOX 13 News Memphis

    • Caresse Jackman, National Consumer Investigative Reporter, Gray Media/Investigate TV

    • Shannon Chaffers, Investigative Reporter, Amsterdam News

In this session, we’ll show you how to get your investigative story from idea to award-winning. Still scratching your head on where to start? Or how to tie up the loose ends? This session is for you

• Dissecting Visual Investigations with the New York Times – Idea Lab

  • Facilitators:

    • Whitney Hurst, Executive Producer, Visual  Investigations, The New York Times

    • Christiaan Triebert, Reporter, Visual Investigations, The New York Times

In this session, learn how the New York Times’ Visual Investigations team combines traditional reporting with digital sleuthing and the forensic analysis of visual evidence to find truth, hold the powerful to account, and deconstruct important news events.

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• 3:30 PM | Closing Remarks – Room 115

  • Presenter: Ken Lemon, NABJ President and Reporter, Cox Media Group/WSOC-TV

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• 4 – 6 PM | Mix & Mingle –  Printer’s Alley 

  • 215 W 40th Street

    New York, NY 10018

    Located down the block from The New York Times building.

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Registration 

Registration Rates

(Total includes a $3.00 administrative fee.)

Early-Bird by April 14, 2025 – (Last Day to Register Online)

• Professional Member (Professional/Emerging Professional/Alumni/Academic/Media-Related Members) – $40

• Student Member – $25

• Nonmember – $50

• Student Nonmember – $30

On-site registration is available in-person on April 26, 2025
*No Cash Accepted • Debit or Credit Cards Only

• Professional Member (Professional/Emerging Professional/Alumni/Academic/Media-Related Members) – $50

• Student Member – $40

• Nonmember – $60

• Student Nonmember – $55

  • Note: Once on the registration portal, you’ll need to log in using your NABJ username and password to view the discounted member rates.