Warner Bros. Discovery Spotlights Dynamic and Diverse Talent and Content at the 2022 NABJ and NAHJ Journalism Convention

Warner Bros. Discovery today announced its participation and in-person presence at this year’s journalism conferences including Asian Americans Journalism Association (AAJA), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and The Association of LGBTQ Journalists (NLGJA). It will feature a series of panels, screenings and workshops from brands across the WBD portfolio including CNN, HBO, OWN, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report and more. The collective events exemplify WBD’s continued support and dedication to helping amplify unique voices, supporting creatives of color and advancing representation in media and news.  

CNN’s Chairman and CEO Chris Licht will attend all conferences and share remarks and reaffirm the network’s commitment to continuing to have a diverse and inclusive team behind and in front of the camera.

CNN Worldwide, longstanding sponsor and partner of these organizations, will return for the 10^th anniversary of its trademark Reporter and Producer Journalism Workshops at the AAJA convention in Los Angeles, CA and the joint NABJ and NAHJ convention in Las Vegas, NV. The industry standard workshops created by Ramón Escobar (SVP, Talent Recruitment and Development for CNN Worldwide) consist of rigorous segments to test knowledge of journalists and teach them how to refine their skills. The competitive program hosts a small cohort sized for maximum impact with on-air coaches, CNN anchors and correspondents, and editorial leaders providing insight and evaluating prowess with real-time examples of writing, producing and reporting the news. The program’s success has an expanded reach as major cities across the US have hosted the workshops and led to significant additions to the network like Weekend New Day co-anchor, Boris Sanchez, correspondents Camila Bernal, Adrienne Broaddus, Natasha Chen, Omar Jimenez, Polo Sandoval, Rahel Solomon, Selina Wang and more. The workshops demonstrate the established and continued commitment to CNN’s goals to build and sustain a diverse talent recruitment pipeline. 

In addition, WBD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will host an inaugural session focused on entertainment content creation during the joint NABJ and NAHJ journalism conference in Las Vegas, NV. The workshop, titled “Fact to Fiction,” is set to feature seasoned entertainment executive Karen Horne (SVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Programs, Warner Bros. Discovery); and accomplished television and film writers Claudia Forestieri (“Gordita Chronicles”/HBO Max) and Keli Goff (“And Just Like That”/HBO Max), both former journalists and news producers. They will share details on their creative process, the fundamentals of TV script writing, and respective resources and source materials. Additionally, this session also covers the business side of TV writing and tips for personal branding and informational meetings. All NABJ and NAHJ attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the scripted content pathways available at Warner Bros. Discovery for writers in the journalism space. 

“Fact to Fiction” is the perfect example of all the possibilities at all intersections of entertainment. This panel speaks to the success of industry heavyweights of color that have taken their skillsets and used them to propel their careers forward in other areas,” said Karen Horne, SVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Programs, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Our team takes pride in helping creatives navigate unchartered paths with unlimited resources and mentorship.” 

See a detailed list below of WBD brand activations across all journalism conferences in chronological order:  

AAJA (July 24- 28)

Los Angeles, CA

Sa-I-Gu Thirty Years Later: Lessons from the L.A. Riots for Today 

In 1992, the LA Riots sent shock waves through our nation, divided communities, and increased tensions between people of color and law enforcement. Thirty years later, hate against marginalized communities and police brutality continue to make headlines in our daily coverage. Join us for an in-depth conversation led by CNN’s Amara Walker on what we learned from past reporting and how reporting can exacerbate relations among communities of color without addressing systemic issues and cultural differences. 

CITIZEN By CNN presents Leading in Primetime & Going Global: From Local News to International Reporting

Leading in Prime Time

CNN's Amara Walker is in conversation with Susie Xu, executive producer of Erin Burnett OutFront. Xu will share how her Asian American background impacts her editorial decisions in the newsroom and the control room. 

Going Global: From Local News to International Reporting

In this CITIZEN by CNN conversation, CNN anchor and correspondent Amara Walker speaks with two journalists who have spent years working abroad who will share their career journeys.  You'll hear the personal stories of Vice President and Western Bureau Chief Kevin Flower and West/Midwest Director of Coverage Elizabeth Joseph as they also explain how their backgrounds and international experiences help them make coverage decisions every day on top stories important to the AAPI community like the economy/jobs, national security, Covid-19 and anti-Asian hate.

CNN Reporter & Producer Workshop

For 10 years running, CNN’s journalism workshop created by Ramón Escobar, SVP of Talent Recruitment and Development has been the industry standard. The network will host the most enterprising & engaging reporters along with the best producers and digital journalists at the AAJA convention in-person. Senior managers, on-air coaches, and CNN anchors and correspondents will teach and challenge attendees on what it takes to make it to the network. During this full-day workshop, reporters and producers will build skills and apply practical techniques. Topics include enterprise reporting, on-air performance & presentation, editorial decision making, producing philosophy, winning at breaking news and building a digital strategy. This is an invite-only event, you must apply to attend.

The Power of Inclusive and Nuanced Storytelling: A Fireside Chat with Executive Producers of “The Cleaning Lady”

For decades the AAPI experience on screen has been represented as a monolith that fails to recognize the rich cultural heritages of individual API communities within the US, but things are changing for the better. Join the executive producers of WBTV’s “The Cleaning Lady” for a candid conversation about how embracing the detailed authenticity of Filipino and Cambodian cultures created an inclusive series that encourages audiences of all backgrounds to recognize universal challenges of immigration, classism, and motherhood through the lenses of these rich cultures.



NABJ and NAHJ (August 3 - 7)

Las Vegas, NV 

CITIZEN By CNN: The Myth of the Monolithic Voter 

In 2020, Cuban voters in Florida favored President Trump. Arizona’s Latino voters pushed Biden to victory. Large numbers of Texas Latinos vote Republican. Some politicians mistakenly think Black voters are homogeneous. But, like every American, they are economically, socially, and religiously diverse. Times are tough. Gas prices soar, a recession hovers, war in Ukraine is brutal, the COVID-19 pandemic persists, and racial reckoning continues. Join us for this CITIZEN by CNN conversation with Abby Phillip, Jim Acosta, Sara Sidner and Rosa Flores to discuss how Black and Brown voters are not monolithic.

CNN’s Art of a Live Shot



For a reporter, the difference between a career that soars and one that sizzles often rests on their ability to execute an informative, impactful, and moving live shot. Join the discussion with the talented team from CNN - Nima Ahmed, Ramón Escobar, Cynthia Hudson and Ryan Young - who have been on the frontlines as they break down the fundamentals of a successful live shot, while teaching you the skills needed to improve your performance. Expect to sharpen your live shots by the time you walk out of the door with proven techniques and tips that are sure to give you a competitive advantage, even at a moment’s notice. This is an invite-only event, you must apply to attend.



CNN Reporter & Producer Workshop

For 10 years running, CNN’s journalism workshop created by Ramón Escobar, SVP of Talent Recruitment and Development has been the industry standard. The network will host the most enterprising & engaging reporters along with the best producers and digital journalists at NABJ/NAHJ convention in-person. Senior managers, on-air coaches, and CNN anchors and correspondents will teach and challenge attendees on what it takes to make it to the network. During this full-day workshop, reporters and producers will build skills and apply practical techniques. Topics include enterprise reporting, on-air performance & presentation, editorial decision making, producing philosophy, winning at breaking news and building a digital strategy. This is an invite-only event, you must apply to attend.

Turner Sports and Bleacher Report presents: Creating A New Narrative  

The past two years have taught us how quickly things can shift, including the ways and the platforms in which we consume content. Specifically in sports, the fan is consistently evolving in how they engage with content. This series of panels – presented by Turner Sports and Bleacher Report – will offer attendees a glimpse into the ways we are helping to create a new narrative in this sports media landscape in order to keep fans engaged including virtual career-growth, developing stories behind the scenes and reaching fans via nontraditional methods. 

Women Changing the Hollywood Landscape

It’s no secret that Hollywood has serious disparity with female representation, especially when it comes to women of color. Join Warner Bros. Discovery female behind-the-scenes powerhouses on an honest, real and moment-defining conversation about storytelling from a Black and Latina lens, what it takes to be a producer, their career path and how they are creating avenues to elevate other women of color. Moderated by Lisa France (Senior Entertainment Writer, CNN) and featuring Natalie Chaidez (Executive Producer, “Flight Attendant”/HBO MAX),  Syreeta Singleton  (Executive Producer, “Rap Sh*t”/HBO), DeMane Davis (Director/Producer, “Naomi,”  “Queen Sugar” CW/OWN) and Brigitte Munoz-Liebowitz  (Executive Producer/Showrunner, “Gordita Chronicles” /HBO Max). 

Fact to Fiction

The special session will feature seasoned entertainment executive Karen Horne (SVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Programs, Warner Bros. Discovery); and accomplished television and film writers, Claudia Forestieri (“Gordita Chronicles”/HBO Max) and Keli Goff (“And Just Like That”/HBO Max), both former journalists and news producers. They will share details on their creative process, the fundamentals of TV script writing, and respective resources and source materials.

NLGJA (September 8 – 11)

Chicago, IL



Global Coverage through the lens of CNN’s LGBTQ+ Journalists 

With every breaking news story, CNN’s team of global journalists are always there to inform, empower, and engage the world about the most critical moments in time. Join us for an interactive discussion with our talented team of LGBTQ+ journalists who are in our newsrooms, control rooms, and in the field to learn the ins and outs of being on the frontlines of global news and why diverse backgrounds and perspectives are imperative to quality journalism.

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About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, CNN+, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, WB Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com. 

About CNN Worldwide

CNN Worldwide is the most honored brand in news, reaching more individuals on television and online than any other news organization in the United States. Globally, CNN International is the most widely distributed news channel. CNN Digital is the #1 online news destination, with more unique visitors and video viewers than any other news source. CNN’s award-winning portfolio also includes CNN Original Series, which develops non-scripted programming for television via commissioned projects, acquisitions and in-house production. CNN Films produces, commissions and acquires documentary feature and short films for theatrical and festival exhibition, as well as for broadcast and other distribution across CNN’s multiple platforms. Additionally, CNN Newsource is the world’s most extensively utilized news service partnering with over 1,000 local and international news organizations around the world. CNN is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery.