Johnita P. Due

EVP, Integrity & Inclusion, CNN & Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer — CNN & TNT Sports @ Warner Bros. Discovery

Johnita P. Due is a prominent executive in the media industry, currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Integrity and Inclusion for CNN Worldwide and the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for News & Sports at Warner Bros. Discovery. She has been instrumental in promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization since her appointment to these roles.

Professional Background

Career at CNN: Johnita joined CNN in 2003 as a media lawyer and has held various positions, including Vice President and Assistant General Counsel. She served as CNN's Chief Diversity Advisor from 2005 to 2013, where she led initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity within the organization.1 2 3
Leadership Roles: In 2019, she became the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery's News & Sports division. In 2022, she was appointed to her current role as EVP of Integrity and Inclusion, focusing on maintaining CNN's brand integrity across various platforms while advancing diversity initiatives.1 2 5

Education

Johnita holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Harvard University, a Master's degree in Psychology from the University of Sussex (focusing on race relations and organizational culture), and a Juris Doctor (JD) from Cornell Law School, where she specialized in international legal affairs.3 5

Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion

Due has been a driving force behind several key initiatives:

Diversity Campaigns: She spearheaded the award-winning "We Are CNN" campaign, highlighting the network's commitment to diversity and inclusion.1
Community Engagement: Due played a crucial role in organizing CNN’s Juneteenth concert, which celebrated African American culture and history.1 2
Mentorship Programs: She is actively involved in mentoring programs aimed at supporting women and people of color in their careers.4

Recognition

Johnita Due has received numerous accolades for her work in promoting diversity within media. Notably, she was named "Woman of the Year" by Women in Cable Television Network in August 2024.6

Through her leadership and advocacy, Johnita P. Due continues to influence the media landscape by fostering an inclusive environment that reflects diverse perspectives both on-screen and behind-the-scenes.