The Center for Broadcast Journalism (CBJ) last week announced the appointment of media veteran Harry Colbert Jr. as its new Vice President. A respected figure in the journalism industry, Colbert will begin his tenure in November 2025, bringing a wealth of expertise and a vision for innovative programming that aligns with CBJ’s mission. Answering the urgent need and call to elevate, develop, and preserve independent Black media and its makers is among the top priorities for the organization.
Colbert will be responsible for shaping the editorial and programming vision of the organization, ensuring that the strategy remains bold, innovative, and true to CBJ’s commitment to advancing journalism. His extensive experience will also be instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of Power 104.7 FM, CBJ’s broadcast radio station.
“Harry will provide steady leadership for our organization. His guidance will not only help us maintain our momentum but also promote continued growth and success, said Georgia Fort, President of CBJ.
She said Colbert’s values align with CBJ’s mission to mobilize the next generation of journalists through rich reporting experience, education, and meaningful connections aimed at enhancing representation in media.
“As a purpose-driven journalist, Colbert embodies a community-first value system that aligns perfectly with CBJ’s objectives,” CBJ said in announcing the appointment.
A former managing editor at MinnPost and editor-in-chief at North News—where he led the publication to receive three Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) awards and five first-place honors at the 2021 Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA) awards—Colbert has a proven track record of excellence in journalism. His accolades include additional SPJ awards, four MNA awards, three National Newspaper Publishers Association Merit Awards, and three nominations for the National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence.
Colbert served as the managing editor of Insight News and has contributed columns to various publications, including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s The Village. Colbert is also an established presence in the media, having appeared on MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” and having been featured in Variety and The Independent.
Colbert’s has served as an instructor of print and radio journalism for several organizations, including the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists and ThreeSixty Journalism. Additionally, he has taught at Minneapolis’ North Community High School and Camden High School, helping to shape the next generation of journalists. He is also a former Diversity Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism.
