Knight Center for the Future of News names Rashida Jones and Liz Kelly Nelson as fellows

The Knight Center for the Future of News at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication has named former MSNBC president Rashida Jones and Project C founder Liz Kelly Nelson as fellows, bringing two nationally recognized leaders to help shape the future of journalism.

As fellows, Jones and Nelson will advise the center on strategic initiatives focused on innovation, business sustainability and leadership development. They will also design and teach courses through CronkitePro, the Cronkite School’s professional development platform, equipping journalists and media executives to navigate rapid technological and economic change.

“At a moment of profound transformation in the news industry, we are honored to welcome leaders who have not only navigated disruption, but helped shape what comes next,” said Andy Pergam, executive director of the Knight Center for the Future of News. “Rashida and Liz bring complementary strengths — operating at scale, building new models and empowering independent creators. Their leadership will help us accelerate innovation and build a more sustainable, resilient future for journalism.”

Jones, an Emmy Award-winning executive and corporate leader, led MSNBC through a period of significant industry disruption, holding end-to-end responsibility for the performance and growth of a multimillion-dollar business. As president, she directed the organization’s transition to a digital-first, omnichannel operating model spanning streaming, social video, podcasts, newsletters and live events while maintaining sustained profitability and strong revenue and cash flow performance. 

Today, Jones advises global media and sports organizations, operating across regions and regulatory environments, and serves as chair of the CEO Council for World Leaders in Data and AI and holds board roles with Hampton University and the We Are Family Foundation.

"Journalism isn’t just adapting — it’s being reshaped by technology, economics and audience behavior,” said Jones. “The organizations that endure will pair editorial integrity with sustainable business strategy. I’m excited to work with the Knight Center to help leaders build the clarity and confidence to shape what’s next.”

While Jones brings experience leading major national news organizations, Nelson’s work centers on helping independent journalists and creators build sustainable businesses in a rapidly evolving media ecosystem.

Nelson is a newsroom leader and digital media strategist who founded Project C following her 2024 Sulzberger Fellowship at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She previously held leadership roles at Vox, USA Today, Gannett and AOL and was one of The Washington Post’s first bloggers. Through Project C and as co-founder of the Independent Journalism Atlas, Nelson works to empower journalists to embrace new revenue models and build infrastructure for independent journalism.

"As audiences turn to trusted independent voices in media, strong infrastructure, sustainable business models and community are essential,” Nelson said. “The Knight Center is meeting this moment, and I’m excited to bring insights from Project C and the Independent Journalism Atlas to help journalists not just navigate this transition, but lead it.”

“We are building a center designed not only to respond to change in our industry, but to help lead it,” said Battinto L. Batts Jr., dean of the Cronkite School. “Rashida and Liz bring a rare combination of operational excellence, entrepreneurial thinking and a deep commitment to journalism’s public mission. Their collaboration with the Knight Center will strengthen how we educate today’s media professionals while also preparing the next generation of journalists to innovate, lead and build sustainable news organizations.”

Their experience aligning enterprise strategy, talent, governance and culture at scale will help inform the Knight Center’s future-facing work. Each fellow will also develop a course for CronkitePro focused on innovation, leadership and sustainable business models for journalism.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Rashida and Liz to the CronkitePro team as subject matter experts and program facilitators,” said Malcolm Holmes, executive director of strategic initiatives at the Cronkite School. “Both bring an extraordinary depth of experience, credibility and passion for strengthening journalism and media leadership. Their insight and hands-on approach will elevate our programs and create meaningful impact for the professionals we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to have them join us.”