*The Hollywood Reporter has hired former Associated Press Editor Nekesa Mumbi Moody to serve as its new editorial director. It’s also worth noting that she is the first African American to serve in that capacity at the storied publication.
Axios reports in an exclusive interview with Moody that “she hopes to bring a global perspective to the publication and double down on coverage of the cultural changes happening in Hollywood around topics like diversity and #MeToo.”
In a statement, Moody said “The Hollywood Reporter has consistently produced some of the most important, informative and revealing stories about the entertainment industry. I’m thrilled to join and look forward to building on the incredible work of its journalists as Hollywood finds itself facing new challenges amid historic change.”
“Nekesa is an incredibly smart, well-respected journalist and seasoned leader who can confidently shape the next chapter of this venerable brand and we are proud to welcome her to The Hollywood Reporter,” said Deanna Brown, president of Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Media Group.
OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Rev. Al Sharpton Demands ‘Impartial Investigation’ Into Slaying Of Ahmaud Arbery In Georgia
The Hollywood Reporter has found its new editorial director https://t.co/ngPTzitDVd
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 30, 2020
Via THR:
Prior to her role as global entertainment and lifestyles editor at the wire service, Moody served as the AP’s music editor from 2000 to 2012. In that role, Moody interviewed everyone from Barbra Streisand to Luciano Pavarotti, from Beyoncé to Prince, from Taylor Swift to Kanye West. Moody was the first to report the news of Whitney Houston’s death, and the first person to get official confirmation of the passing of Prince.
Moody has also written for Essence and her essays can be found in the anthologies Where Did Our Love Go: Essays on Love & Relationships in the African-American Community and An Illustrated History of Women Who Rock.
“Nekesa is a brilliant journalist and we are fortunate to have her lead The Hollywood Reporter, where we know she will set a high bar for the work we do, as well as the way we do it,” said Valence Media co-CEOs Modi Wiczyk and Asif Satchu. “We have enjoyed getting to know her and have found her to be strong, generous of spirit, and the type of leader who wants to see her teams excel and grow.”
In related news, the Recording Academy announced the appointment of Valeisha Butterfield Jones as its first Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Variety reports.
“She will design, build and implement world-class programs and industry standards focused on inclusion, belonging and representation for underrepresented communities and creators,” the outlet writes.
“We are thrilled to welcome Valeisha Butterfield Jones into the Recording Academy family,” said Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason jr. “Valeisha has been a force in driving systemic change and enhancing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups across entertainment, technology and politics. I’m excited to work with her to continue evolving the Recording Academy as an organization that represents our music community and a place where all voices are welcomed, supported and nurtured. We are so fortunate to have Valeisha’s leadership in this crucial area.”
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
