Renowned for her insightful commentary and captivating prose, J’na Jefferson has proven to be a necessary voice in music and culture reporting. Her writing—seen in USA Today, Harper’s Bazaar, Rolling Stone and more—thoroughly explores the intersections of these mediums with gender, sexuality, identity, politics, and social justice. Having worked under esteemed writers such as Hanif Abdurraqib and Morgan Jerkins, J’na has emerged as a formidable talent through her knowledge and nuanced perspective. Her interviews with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Tarana Burke, Sting, Nile Rodgers, and John Legend provide profound insights into their latest projects, cementing her reputation as a trusted journalist and thoughtful cultural commentator.
J'na seamlessly transitioned from print media to broadcast journalism, excelling both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. A seasoned on-air music and culture expert, she's appeared on platforms like National Geographic/Disney+, Yahoo’s BUILD Series, and BBC Radio, with media features extending from the U.S. to Serbia. Her dynamic discussions, spanning from '90s pop feuds to the #MeToo movement's impact on music industry elites, offer sharp perspectives that captivate audiences. As a Digital Producer for CBS News’ streaming platform, J'na collaborates closely with directors, producers, and editing teams, ensuring consistency in a diverse range of content to facilitate the seamless delivery and distribution of live national and global news. Furthermore, her curation of the inaugural custom streaming episode of the renowned program 60 Minutes ignited a double-digit surge in viewer engagement during its broadcast. Her efforts contribute to solidifying CBS’ reputation as a leading, trusted entity.
In 2022, J’na's passion for her craft led her to join the staff of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism as an adjunct lecturer. There, she developed and delivered the school’s inaugural Music Reporting course, imparting her experience and industry insights to the next generation of aspiring journalists.
When she’s not writing, J’na enjoys dancing and choreographing, exploring new places, and thinking about Beyoncé’s excellence in great depth.
More on J’na:
Music Journalism Insider Interview
Portrait Courtesy Of: Okie Dokie Studio