Biography

John King is the Chief National Correspondent for CNN. He is responsible for the coverage of major national and international events, from Washington but also across the United States and around the world. Since joining CNN in 1997, John’s duties have included nearly nine years covering the White House, interviews with an array of US and world leaders, and leading its innovative use of the interactive “Magic Wall” in CNN’s award winning political coverage.

Before joining CNN, John worked for 12 years at The Associated Press, first in Providence, later Boston and finally Washington DC. John’s AP career included three presidential elections (1988, 1992 and 1996). In ’92 and ’96 he was the organization’s chief political correspondent. John spent six months overseas covering the first Persian Gulf War, and also traveled to Haiti when the Clinton administration used US military force to restore its elected government to power in the 1990s.

Achievements & Awards

• Emmy Award for role in 2006 Election Coverage
• George Foster Peabody Award for role in 2008 Election Coverage
• George Foster Peabody Award for role in 2012 Arab Spring worldwide coverage
• Associated Press Managing Editors Award for Outstanding Reporting on first Persian Gulf War.
• Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, 2006, Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
• Distinguished Achievement Award, 2008, The University of Rhode Island.
• Honorary Doctor of Letters, 2010, The University of Rhode Island.

Advice for Students

The journalism and communications business is in a dramatic, uncertain transition at the moment, and many people would say look for a career elsewhere. I argue the opposite. The thirst for information is greater than ever, so there is not a question of the need for talented and energetic people. Yes, there are technological and cultural changes that make it a risky business to a degree. But dig deep on the basics: writing skills, conversation skills, listening skills. And be comfortable with technology – the lines between print and broadcast are blurring, so be ready to play to a degree in both worlds. Getting paid to learn is the gift of a lifetime, so build a good foundation, clamor for internships and any “hands on” opportunities, remember to respect all views, and follow your curiosity.