Jo Kent

Professional Background

Jo Ling Kent is a distinguished journalist who currently serves as the senior business and tech correspondent for CBS News. With her engaging on-screen presence and in-depth knowledge of economics, technology, and artificial intelligence, Jo has become a trusted voice in news, leading vital conversations on CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, Face the Nation, and various other platforms. Her noteworthy interactions with prominent figures such as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Elon Musk, and Sam Altman establish her as a formidable player in the field of business journalism, capable of eliciting insights from some of the world's leading minds in technology and finance.

Previously, Jo spent six impactful years at NBC News as a business and tech correspondent, where she garnered a dedicated following. Her exceptional storytelling abilities were showcased on flagship platforms, earning her a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for her reporting on Sunday TODAY. Her investigative prowess was particularly demonstrated through her coverage of significant industry players, including Amazon and Facebook, as well as her insightful analysis of the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jo has not only reported the facts but has also engaged with them critically, making her a prominent figure in journalism.

Jo Ling Kent has a rich history of high-profile interviews and challenging inquiries. She has questioned tech mogul Mark Zuckerberg directly in the halls of Congress and facilitated exclusive discussions with CEOs of major corporations such as General Motors, Twitter, Alibaba, Reddit, Target, Best Buy, and Bumble. This extensive network of contacts underscores her exceptional ability to connect with industry leaders and communicate complex topics to the public in an accessible way. Furthermore, her reporting experience extends back to her time at Fox Business Network, where she reported on the global tech sector and contributed to election coverage during the 2016 presidential primaries.

Adding to her diverse career, Jo Ling served as a campaign embed reporter for NBC during the 2012 presidential race, providing unique insights into the electoral process. Her journalism career began in earnest with a focus on investigative reporting at NBC Connecticut, where her team's coverage of the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting earned them a Peabody Award, showcasing her commitment to high standards in journalism and coverage of critical events.

Education and Achievements

Jo Ling Kent's academic credentials are as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds two master's degrees in international affairs from two prestigious institutions: the London School of Economics (LSE) and Peking University. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Policy Studies from Rice University. This robust educational background has provided her with the analytical skills and global perspective necessary for her work in journalism, particularly in covering complex international issues.

Throughout her career, Jo Ling has received multiple accolades and recognition for her work, including multiple reporting awards, and her notable achievement of being a finalist for the prestigious Television Academy Emmy Awards, which highlights her excellence in the field of television journalism. Her memberships in prominent organizations, including active participation in the Asian American Journalists Association, further emphasize her commitment to diversity and representation within the media industry.

Jo's international experience enhances her storytelling and comprehension of global issues, having spent the initial five years of her career based in Beijing. She started her journey as a Fulbright Scholar, focusing on women's access to legal aid, which demonstrates her passion for social justice. She later worked as an associate producer at CNN's Beijing bureau, where she further developed her reporting skills and understanding of international politics and culture.

Achievements

Jo Ling Kent's career reflects her dedication to responsible journalism and her thirst for truth. Her impactful reporting on major technology firms and the financial landscape has shaped public discourse and encouraged accountability among industry leaders. Her extensive experience interviewing high-profile figures and reporting on significant events highlights her role as a key contributor to contemporary media.

In particular, her investigations into tech giants such as Facebook and Amazon have not only informed the public but have also prompted important discussions about privacy, ethics, and corporate responsibility in the digital age. The recognition she received for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic is a testament to her ability to address pressing issues with clarity and authority, resonating with audiences navigating these challenging times.

Jo Ling's trilingual capabilities, including proficiency in Mandarin, equip her with the tools to engage with diverse communities and ensure that vital narratives reach broader audiences. Her role on the board of Libraries Without Borders US illustrates her commitment to education and democratizing access to information, while her advisory position with the Very Asian Foundation reflects her dedication to uplifting Asian American voices and experiences in journalism.

Jo Ling Kent continues to inspire and educate through her reporting, firmly establishing herself as a pillar of integrity and adeptness in business and technology journalism. Her career serves as an example to many aspiring journalists, particularly those looking to cover complex global issues with diligence and empathy.