ABOUT THE WORK
Each stop in the journey holds a unique story.
Axios Local
In 2022, Delano Massey became the Managing Editor of Axios Local, playing a central role in the company’s ambitious expansion. Under his leadership, Axios Local has grown to 30 markets and more than 25 additional journalists, enhancing its ability to deliver impactful, localized news.
Massey’s expertise extends beyond newsroom operations. He has helped coordinate stories across Axios Local markets, tackling critical topics such as the 2024 election and collaborating with partners like The Marshall Project to amplify accountability journalism. His leadership has also driven larger projects, including coverage of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, exploring the enduring impact of school segregation and education equity in America.
Throughout his career, Massey has demonstrated a knack for addressing thought-provoking societal issues. His work includes pieces like "Race and Policing: The Path Forward" and "Race and Housing: The Path Forward," as well as coverage of underrepresented topics such as the challenges of finding lesbian bars and the push for greater recognition of women.
Massey has also led coverage on pivotal political figures, including Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp, and embraced Axios’ mission to deliver impactful climate reporting through stories like "Axios Climate Truths: Climate Hits Home."
As Axios Local continues to expand into new markets and tackle critical issues, Massey’s leadership and commitment to meaningful journalism remain at the forefront, shaping the platform’s mission to deliver relevant and engaging news across the country.
In 2022, Delano Massey became the Managing Editor of Axios Local, playing a central role in the company’s ambitious expansion. Under his leadership, Axios Local has grown to 30 markets and more than 25 additional journalists, enhancing its ability to deliver impactful, localized news.
Massey’s expertise extends beyond newsroom operations. He has helped coordinate stories across Axios Local markets, tackling critical topics such as the 2024 election and collaborating with partners like The Marshall Project to amplify accountability journalism. His leadership has also driven larger projects, including coverage of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, exploring the enduring impact of school segregation and education equity in America.
Throughout his career, Massey has demonstrated a knack for addressing thought-provoking societal issues. His work includes pieces like "Race and Policing: The Path Forward" and "Race and Housing: The Path Forward," as well as coverage of underrepresented topics such as the challenges of finding lesbian bars and the push for greater recognition of women.
Massey has also led coverage on pivotal political figures, including Stacey Abrams and Brian Kemp, and embraced Axios’ mission to deliver impactful climate reporting through stories like "Axios Climate Truths: Climate Hits Home."
As Axios Local continues to expand into new markets and tackle critical issues, Massey’s leadership and commitment to meaningful journalism remain at the forefront, shaping the platform’s mission to deliver relevant and engaging news across the country.
CNN
In 2019, CNN entrusted Delano Massey with the critical responsibility of leading its Justice coverage in Washington, D.C. In addition to justice, he assumed leadership over supplies coverage during a global pandemic, showcasing his versatility and ability to handle complex issues.
During a period marked by a profound racial reckoning, Delano demonstrated his innovative thinking and leadership prowess by conceptualizing and establishing CNN's Race & Equality team. This dynamic unit was dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage across all platforms, addressing vital issues of race and equality. Delano played a pivotal role in assembling this talented team, actively participating in the recruitment, interviews, and selection process of its members.
Juggling two demanding beats, Delano remained at the forefront of critical events and issues, leading CNN's legal coverage surrounding the monumental 2020 election and the historic January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol. Additionally, he contributed significantly to shaping the network's coverage on race, strategically navigating the complexities of the subject during a time of heightened tensions.
Throughout his tenure at CNN, Delano showcased his ability to work across various platforms. In June 2020, he was instrumental in the launch of "Silence Is Not an Option," a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Don Lemon that delved into the nuanced topic of race in America. Delano's editorial expertise and contributions played a crucial role in fostering meaningful discussions on a subject that requires sensitivity and depth.
Delano Massey's multifaceted contributions at CNN underscore his unwavering commitment to journalism's core values and his dedication to advancing important conversations on race and equality. His leadership and editorial acumen have left a lasting impact on both the network and its audience, ensuring that crucial issues are approached with thoughtfulness and integrity.
In 2019, CNN entrusted Delano Massey with the critical responsibility of leading its Justice coverage in Washington, D.C. In addition to justice, he assumed leadership over supplies coverage during a global pandemic, showcasing his versatility and ability to handle complex issues.
During a period marked by a profound racial reckoning, Delano demonstrated his innovative thinking and leadership prowess by conceptualizing and establishing CNN's Race & Equality team. This dynamic unit was dedicated to providing comprehensive news coverage across all platforms, addressing vital issues of race and equality. Delano played a pivotal role in assembling this talented team, actively participating in the recruitment, interviews, and selection process of its members.
Juggling two demanding beats, Delano remained at the forefront of critical events and issues, leading CNN's legal coverage surrounding the monumental 2020 election and the historic January 6 insurrection at the US Capitol. Additionally, he contributed significantly to shaping the network's coverage on race, strategically navigating the complexities of the subject during a time of heightened tensions.
Throughout his tenure at CNN, Delano showcased his ability to work across various platforms. In June 2020, he was instrumental in the launch of "Silence Is Not an Option," a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Don Lemon that delved into the nuanced topic of race in America. Delano's editorial expertise and contributions played a crucial role in fostering meaningful discussions on a subject that requires sensitivity and depth.
Delano Massey's multifaceted contributions at CNN underscore his unwavering commitment to journalism's core values and his dedication to advancing important conversations on race and equality. His leadership and editorial acumen have left a lasting impact on both the network and its audience, ensuring that crucial issues are approached with thoughtfulness and integrity.
AP
Massey's expertise in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape led to his recruitment by The Associated Press (AP), where he played a pivotal role in facilitating a successful digital transition during a transformative period in the industry. In 2016, he assumed the position of Ohio news editor, where he orchestrated strategic initiatives to enhance video and social media capabilities within the team. Implementing innovative measures, Massey spearheaded the recalibration of news priorities, redefined beats, and optimized staffing hours to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Recognizing his aptitude for leadership and mentorship, Massey collaborated with other news editors to conduct educational sessions for journalists in AP's East region, a vast network of bureaus. These sessions covered various aspects, from promotions to best practices for leveraging social media as a journalistic tool.
In a testament to his adaptability and capabilities, Massey was subsequently assigned to Chicago, where he assumed a prominent role in leading coverage across the Midwest region, encompassing bureaus stretching from Texas to North Dakota. As the head of storytelling, he engineered the establishment of a cutting-edge video hub for AP TV, optimizing multimedia workflows to ensure seamless content delivery. Moreover, he revitalized the fellowship program, providing aspiring journalists with unparalleled learning opportunities.
Notably, Massey played a central role as a leader on AP's Race & Ethnicity team, working closely with the team's visionary, Sonya Ross. Their dynamic collaboration resulted in the launch of several impactful projects, including an exploration of athletes and activism, and an insightful retrospective on the historical significance of the Red Summer of 1919. These initiatives underscore his commitment to championing diverse voices and uncovering untold stories.
Delano Massey's tenure at The Associated Press exemplifies his profound impact as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of digital journalism. His leadership, innovation, and dedication to journalistic excellence have left an indelible mark on the industry and aspiring journalists alike.
Massey's expertise in navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape led to his recruitment by The Associated Press (AP), where he played a pivotal role in facilitating a successful digital transition during a transformative period in the industry. In 2016, he assumed the position of Ohio news editor, where he orchestrated strategic initiatives to enhance video and social media capabilities within the team. Implementing innovative measures, Massey spearheaded the recalibration of news priorities, redefined beats, and optimized staffing hours to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Recognizing his aptitude for leadership and mentorship, Massey collaborated with other news editors to conduct educational sessions for journalists in AP's East region, a vast network of bureaus. These sessions covered various aspects, from promotions to best practices for leveraging social media as a journalistic tool.
In a testament to his adaptability and capabilities, Massey was subsequently assigned to Chicago, where he assumed a prominent role in leading coverage across the Midwest region, encompassing bureaus stretching from Texas to North Dakota. As the head of storytelling, he engineered the establishment of a cutting-edge video hub for AP TV, optimizing multimedia workflows to ensure seamless content delivery. Moreover, he revitalized the fellowship program, providing aspiring journalists with unparalleled learning opportunities.
Notably, Massey played a central role as a leader on AP's Race & Ethnicity team, working closely with the team's visionary, Sonya Ross. Their dynamic collaboration resulted in the launch of several impactful projects, including an exploration of athletes and activism, and an insightful retrospective on the historical significance of the Red Summer of 1919. These initiatives underscore his commitment to championing diverse voices and uncovering untold stories.
Delano Massey's tenure at The Associated Press exemplifies his profound impact as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of digital journalism. His leadership, innovation, and dedication to journalistic excellence have left an indelible mark on the industry and aspiring journalists alike.
WRITING WORK
PAST WORK
JUSTICE
How Ruth Bader Ginsburg's unlikely friendship began
US Capitol secured, 4 dead after rioters stormed the halls of Congress to block Biden's win
Capitol riot investigators narrow in on extremist groups and military-style coordination
Pipe bombs found near Capitol on January 6 were placed the night before, FBI says
Members of extremist Oath Keepers group planned attack on US Capitol, prosecutors say
Five people associated with Proud Boys arrested for Capitol riot on conspiracy charges
Supreme Court dismisses challenge to Affordable Care Act, leaving it in place
Attorney General William Barr suggests charging violent protesters with sedition
William Barr says there is no evidence of widespread fraud in presidential election
Private group wants to build border wall on US government land and donate
RACE & JUSTICE
Civil rights protesters from the 1950s and 1960s
Cities reckon with past atrocities against Black people but experts say it won't cause actual reform
Jacob Blake's sister at March on Washington: 'Black America, I hold you accountable'
A mother murdered. Her toddler missing. And the family left to search for her year after year
Families of Emmett Till and George Floyd bond over shared tragedies
George Floyd's brother bonds with Emmett Till's cousin over brutal, public deaths decades apart
'It's hard': CEO of Black-owned funeral home plans Wright's funeral
CNN exclusive: Four families connected by pain are hoping to use their influence to get out the vote
Black Americans are #sickandtired of the lack of justice for police killings. The Breonna Taylor
decision is yet another disappointment
Weeping resounded from the room where Breonna Taylor's mother learned the grand jury's decision.
An all-Black group is arming itself and demanding change. They are the NFAC
How Miles Morales in his own Spider-Man video game confronts racial disparity in gaming
COVID
America's biggest cities face racial inequities in vaccine distribution
Exclusive: 'I don't think anybody was ready for this Covid,' says head of federal prisons
Their communities are deserted by pharmacies. Advocates fear this will lead to inequitable vaccine access
Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy complications than any other demographic group, the CDC says
- Q&A: Shannon McCollum on 'Forever I Love Atlanta' exhibit
- The God gap: How church attendance by race splits voters
- Carlton Mackey is on a mission to reclaim Black joy
- End of an era: CNN's 'Race & Equality' team concludes amid network's changes
- Juneteenth gaining as a state holiday amid old resistance
- Rebuilding the crumbling news Infrastructure
- My Nieman prediction for 2023
- A conversation with Charlotte resident Jonathan Abrams about the releases of his book for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop
- An essay for Editor & Publisher (E&P) Magazine to discuss my experience with diversity in newsrooms after a career that has lasted two decades.
- A discussion with two authors about "Wakanda Forever"
- School segregation surges 70 years after Brown v. Board ruling
- Why finding a lesbian bar near you is almost impossible
- Philadelphia Police body camera footage remains largely unreviewed
- America still doesn't put enough women on pedestals
- Race and Policing: The Path Forward
- Axios Climate Truths: Climate hits home
- The making of Stacey Abrams
- The Making of Brian Kemp
- Inside the messy rollout of Kemp’s $350 payments to Georgians
- Midterm Elections 2022
PAST WORK
JUSTICE
How Ruth Bader Ginsburg's unlikely friendship began
US Capitol secured, 4 dead after rioters stormed the halls of Congress to block Biden's win
Capitol riot investigators narrow in on extremist groups and military-style coordination
Pipe bombs found near Capitol on January 6 were placed the night before, FBI says
Members of extremist Oath Keepers group planned attack on US Capitol, prosecutors say
Five people associated with Proud Boys arrested for Capitol riot on conspiracy charges
Supreme Court dismisses challenge to Affordable Care Act, leaving it in place
Attorney General William Barr suggests charging violent protesters with sedition
William Barr says there is no evidence of widespread fraud in presidential election
Private group wants to build border wall on US government land and donate
RACE & JUSTICE
Civil rights protesters from the 1950s and 1960s
Cities reckon with past atrocities against Black people but experts say it won't cause actual reform
Jacob Blake's sister at March on Washington: 'Black America, I hold you accountable'
A mother murdered. Her toddler missing. And the family left to search for her year after year
Families of Emmett Till and George Floyd bond over shared tragedies
George Floyd's brother bonds with Emmett Till's cousin over brutal, public deaths decades apart
'It's hard': CEO of Black-owned funeral home plans Wright's funeral
CNN exclusive: Four families connected by pain are hoping to use their influence to get out the vote
Black Americans are #sickandtired of the lack of justice for police killings. The Breonna Taylor
decision is yet another disappointment
Weeping resounded from the room where Breonna Taylor's mother learned the grand jury's decision.
An all-Black group is arming itself and demanding change. They are the NFAC
How Miles Morales in his own Spider-Man video game confronts racial disparity in gaming
COVID
America's biggest cities face racial inequities in vaccine distribution
Exclusive: 'I don't think anybody was ready for this Covid,' says head of federal prisons
Their communities are deserted by pharmacies. Advocates fear this will lead to inequitable vaccine access
Black women are more likely to die from pregnancy complications than any other demographic group, the CDC says
(November 2019)
Fifty years ago, Native Americans began a monthslong occupation at Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. The demonstration had far-reaching effects for tribes, galvanizing activists, raising awareness of conditions on reservations and spurring a shift in federal policy toward self-determination.
Fifty years ago, Native Americans began a monthslong occupation at Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. The demonstration had far-reaching effects for tribes, galvanizing activists, raising awareness of conditions on reservations and spurring a shift in federal policy toward self-determination.
IMMIGRATION
A joint investigation by The Associated Press and FRONTLINE has found that the Trump administration is actively shifting the caretaking of migrant children from mostly religious-based nonprofits toward the private sector. (Oct. 3)
(July 2019)
Hundreds of African Americans died in a little known spate of white mob violence a century ago. A look back at the Red Summer attacks and the communities where they occurred, from a small town in Elaine, Arkansas to Chicago, Illinois and many places in between.
Hundreds of African Americans died in a little known spate of white mob violence a century ago. A look back at the Red Summer attacks and the communities where they occurred, from a small town in Elaine, Arkansas to Chicago, Illinois and many places in between.
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Black athletes have long history of not sticking to sports
(February 2018) African-American athletes have used their sports platforms for more than 100 years to impact social and political change. As part of AP’s coverage plans for Black History Month, we took multiplatform look at how many have and continue to engage in activism, from Jack Johnson, to Muhammad Ali to Colin Kaepernick. We began looking into this matter after it became clear that football and race had collided. Pre-game protests were dividing fans along color lines and making Sunday afternoons among the most segregated hours in the country. Some fans wanted these athletes to stick to sports, but history told us that has never been the case. We took a look at this refusal to "shut up and play" through every era -- from Jim Crow to civil rights and, finally, the Black Lives Matter movement. |
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Segregation lingers in US schools 60 years after Little Rock
(Sept. 24, 2017) Three years after “separate but equal” was declared unconstitutional in America’s public schools, nine black teenagers had to be escorted by federal troops through an angry white mob before they could finally attend Central High School. Sixty years ago, the Little Rock Nine became a symbol of heroism in the throes of racial progress, but their bravery made many whites dig their heels in further to maintain segregated schools. While legal segregation has ended, today the milestone is a reminder of how few of the country’s white and minority children are learning alongside each other. |
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America still in turmoil a year after Kaepernick’s protest
(Aug. 20, 2017) What started as a protest against police brutality mushroomed a year later into a divisive debate over the future of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The once-rising star and Super Bowl quarterback had been unemployed since March 2017, when he opted out of his contract and became a free agent who could sign with any team. Few NFL clubs had openly discussed the idea of signing him, but the embattled quarterback had yet to receive a contract offer with training camps well underway. On the opposing end of a wide range of opinions, some fans said Kaepernick shouldn’t have sat or kneeled during the national anthem, while others argued the quarterback’s lack of a job is more about his talent. Just weeks away from the regular season, he became a symbol of the clash of celebrity, sports and social issues as more people _including players, fans, politicians, team owners and pundits _ invoke his name to debate thorny issues of patriotism and race. |
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AP, OHIO NEWS EDITOR
RAY TENSING TRIAL
Charges dropped in Ohio police shooting of unarmed black man
(July 25, 2017)
A judge in Cincinnati on Monday dismissed the charges against a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorist during a traffic stop, after a county prosecutor declined to pursue a third murder trial in the case...
A look at high-profile police-related deaths of US blacks
(June 10, 2017)
Police officers are on trial in Ohio and Minnesota for fatal shootings of black motorists during traffic stops.
In both cases, prosecutors say the officers didn’t need to respond with deadly force. The officers both have testified they felt threatened...
Attitudes, legal standards help make police convictions rare
(June 22, 2017)
In the three years since fatal police shootings of unarmed black people launched the Black Lives Matter movement, few officers have been charged and none has been convicted by juries in the highest-profile deaths that inspired protests across the country...
(July 25, 2017)
A judge in Cincinnati on Monday dismissed the charges against a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black motorist during a traffic stop, after a county prosecutor declined to pursue a third murder trial in the case...
A look at high-profile police-related deaths of US blacks
(June 10, 2017)
Police officers are on trial in Ohio and Minnesota for fatal shootings of black motorists during traffic stops.
In both cases, prosecutors say the officers didn’t need to respond with deadly force. The officers both have testified they felt threatened...
Attitudes, legal standards help make police convictions rare
(June 22, 2017)
In the three years since fatal police shootings of unarmed black people launched the Black Lives Matter movement, few officers have been charged and none has been convicted by juries in the highest-profile deaths that inspired protests across the country...
OTTO WARMBIER
To North Korea and back: Otto Warmbier’s strange, sad trip
(Jun. 18, 2017)
Over and over, Otto Warmbier apologized and begged — at first calmly, then choking up and finally in tears — to be reunited with his family. North Korean officials seated at long tables watched impassively, with cameras rolling and journalists taking notes, as the adventuresome, accomplished 21-year-old college student from suburban Cincinnati talked animatedly about the “severe crime” that had put him there: trying to take a propaganda banner for someone back home, supposedly in return for a used car and to impress a semi-secret society he wanted to join, and all under the supposed direction of the U.S. government.
(Jun. 18, 2017)
Over and over, Otto Warmbier apologized and begged — at first calmly, then choking up and finally in tears — to be reunited with his family. North Korean officials seated at long tables watched impassively, with cameras rolling and journalists taking notes, as the adventuresome, accomplished 21-year-old college student from suburban Cincinnati talked animatedly about the “severe crime” that had put him there: trying to take a propaganda banner for someone back home, supposedly in return for a used car and to impress a semi-secret society he wanted to join, and all under the supposed direction of the U.S. government.
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US student freed by North Korea in a coma dies at age 22
(Jun. 20, 2017) Otto Warmbier, an American college student who was released by North Korea in a coma last week after almost a year and a half in captivity, died Monday, his family said. The 22-year-old “has completed his journey home,” relatives said in a statement. They did not cite a specific cause of death. |
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Student detained in N Korea is mourned at hometown funeral
(Jun. 22, 2017) Celebrating the life of an American college student who was detained in North Korea for over a year and died shortly after returning home in a coma, a packed crowd of mourners gathered Thursday as Otto Warmbier’s loved ones shared stories about his affinity for hugs, thrift-store clothes-shopping and little-known rap music... |
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OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY ATTACK
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Terrorism suspected in car-and-knife attack at Ohio State
(Nov. 29, 2016) A Somali-born Ohio State University student plowed his car into a group of pedestrians on campus and then got out and began stabbing people with a butcher knife Monday before he was shot to death by a police officer. Police said they were investigating whether it was a terrorist attack. Eleven people were hurt, one critically... Fast-acting Ohio State officer praised for killing attacker (Nov. 28, 2016) Officials on Monday praised an Ohio State University police officer who shot and killed a man a minute after he drove his car into a crowd and then stabbed multiple people... Ohio State attacker stewed over treatment of fellow Muslims(Nov. 30, 2016) A Somali-born student who carried out a car-and-knife attack at Ohio State University stewed over the treatment of Muslims while apparently staying under the radar of federal law enforcement, underscoring the difficulty authorities face in identifying and stopping lone wolves bent on violence. |
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TWITTER AMPLIFY
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In 2017, top managers in The Associated Press tapped me to help lead a pilot program with Twitter Amplify, which monetizes native video on Twitter.com.
After coordinating with Twitter, members from AP’s business side and our social media director, we launched in April 2017. This was challenging in practice because AP did not have a large amount of video on reserve. We started working with staffers in the west region, slowly making our way to the south, central and east regions. Four months later, Amplify has been rolled out to AP’s four regional Twitter accounts, sports, business and health and science and, most recently, Europe. |
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SOCIAL PROMOTIONS
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DIGITAL NEWS DIRECTOR
In June 2016, LeBron James led the Cleveland Cavaliers to its first NBA title and an estimated 1.3 million people took to the streets of downtown to celebrate the historic accomplishment. Later that same summer, the city welcomed guests from far and wide for the Republican National Convention. I coordinated coverage across platforms, working with my peers on two major events for the station -- and Northeast Ohio.
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