Philly Magazine appoints Owens political writer at large

Philadelphia Magazine has tapped award-winning journalist Ernest Owens to serve as political writer at large. He wrote on Twitter:

“It’s a new role the publication has created and it speaks to the evolution of my work and elevates the coverage Philly needs now more than ever.

“As the first-ever Political Writer at Large, I will be exclusively focusing on covering the city’s political class in longform profiles and investigations in the pages of the magazine.

“Across America, especially in Pennsylvania, there’s been a lack of Black political journalists. Throughout my career, I’ve had to fight to break through the doors of City Hall and speak truth to power. The erasure of Black reporters discussing politics in our region has served as a massive disservice to our diverse community. I’m super excited to have the time, resources, and space to widely cover the upcoming primary/general elections, a new mayor, and new City Council with greater depth and focus. I hope this moment inspires other newsrooms to shake up the political news desks with more people who look like me.”

Owens is the CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC, a media company specializing in writing, communications and consulting.

He has also contributed to MTV, CNN, NBC News, USA Today and The Huffington Post.

Owens has a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.

Be sure to congratulate Owens on Twitter.