Jennifer H. Cunningham

Jennifer H. Cunningham is a journalist and media executive with a career spanning two decades in reporting, editing, and newsroom leadership at major news organizations. Cunningham began her career as a local reporter for Herald News and Bergen Record before joining New York Daily News, where she covered a wide range of stories. Her experience includes on-the-ground coverage of significant events such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Hurricane Sandy in New York City and New Jersey, and multiple presidential elections. This background in breaking news and investigative reporting established Cunningham as a versatile journalist adept at navigating demanding news cycles.

Before joining Newsweek, Cunningham served as editor-in-chief of Business Insider's news division, overseeing teams in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore. During her tenure, the newsroom earned its first Pulitzer Prize, reflecting her leadership and editorial strategy. Cunningham is recognized for attracting and developing diverse talent, fostering collaboration, and advancing industry standards through the use of data and analytics. Her work at Business Insider contributed to her reputation as an innovative leader in digital media.

Newsweek CEO and owner Dev Pragad announced Cunningham's promotion to editor-in-chief, succeeding Nancy Cooper. In this role, Cunningham oversees all aspects of Newsweek's editorial strategy and execution, supporting the organization's mission of responsible journalism. She has led the "Newsmakers" initiative, which combines immersive, long-form storytelling with cinematic film, distributing interviews across the print magazine, website, and YouTube. Newsweek has also implemented human-led, AI-assisted journalism under her guidance, with applications in video production, social media management, and data collection.

Cunningham has received recognition including the Beacon Award Honoree from The Ellis Island Honors Society and acknowledgment from the New York Association of Black Journalists for her reporting on Whitney Houston's passing. She is the immediate past president of the Newswomen's Club of New York and previously served as chairperson of the Dr. Norton and Rosalind Massow Scholarship Fund. Cunningham's commitment to advocacy and mentorship, combined with her editorial leadership, positions her as a knowledgeable voice on journalism, media leadership, and the evolving role of technology in newsrooms.