The Center for Broadcast Journalism Appoints Harry Colbert Jr. as New Vice President
- Georgia Fort
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Saint Paul, Minnesota – October 6, 2025 – The Center for Broadcast Journalism (CBJ) is excited to announce 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 call to elevate, develop, and preserve independent Black media and its makers is among the top priorities for the organization.
In his role as Vice President, 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.
Georgia Fort, President of CBJ, expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “Harry will provide steady leadership for our organization during my Bush Fellowship. His guidance will not only help us maintain our momentum but also promote continued growth and success.”
Colbert’s values resonate deeply 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.
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.
Beyond his editorial achievements, Colbert has a rich history of community involvement and mentorship. He has 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 commitment to education is evident from his roles 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, shaping the next generation of journalists. He is also a former Diversity Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism.
To learn more about The Center for Broadcast Journalism and Power 104.7 FM, visit our website(s).
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Media Contact:
Cynthia Lewis
Communications Specialist
The Center for Broadcast Journalism
612.670.3938
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