The Tri-State Defender has hired Stephanie R. Jones, a journalist with 30-plus years of newspaper experience, as editor for its digital newspaper.
Jones has served in editorial roles at several newspapers across the country, including a 10-year stint at The Commercial Appeal in Memphis in the business, features and copyediting departments.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Memphis news community again,” said Jones. “The Tri-State Defender has a rich history of service in the Memphis community and beyond, and I look forward to advancing the continuation of that tradition.”
Jones also has worked at daily newspapers in Indiana, Texas and her home state of Mississippi. In addition, she has worked for the Jackson Advocate and Mississippi Link, both of which cover African American communities in Mississippi.
“The Black press plays an important role in addressing news relevant to its communities as well as highlighting accomplishments and chronicling the continuing history that often goes unnoticed by other media,” Jones said. “The Defender has strong writers, photographers and production staff members, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join,” she added.
“We are happy to welcome Stephanie to the TSD family and look forward to her leading the editorial process for this legacy media organization,” said Calvin Anderson, president of the TSD Board of Directors. “Stephanie understands Memphis and the Black Press, and her years of experience are a major asset for The Tri-State Defender.”
Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Jackson State University, Jackson, Miss., and a Master of Science degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. She has served as a board member for the National Association of Black Journalists and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Feel free to share ideas or thoughts with Jones at srjones@tsdmemphis.com or 901-718-9516.
