Journalism on Display: Raina Kelley Named VP And EIC Of The Undefeated
Kelley succeeds Kevin Merida, who launched the project five years ago; here's a sampling of the reaction from ESPN and beyond
On Monday, Raina Kelley, the managing editor of The Undefeated since November 2015, was promoted to Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the ESPN multimedia initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race, and culture.
Kelley – a Yale University graduate who joined ESPN in May 2011 and has been a leader of the company’s long-form journalism efforts across a variety of platforms following eight years with Newsweek magazine – will provide editorial direction and oversight for The Undefeated as it continues its successful expansion across The Walt Disney Company.
Kelley succeeds Kevin Merida, who launched the project five years ago. From across ESPN and beyond, the news brought a great deal of congratulations for Kelley, appreciation for what Merida has built, and excitement for the future of The Undefeated.
Yes!!!! #NABJCongrats are in order!!!!
Raina Kelley (@loonus) named Vice President & Editor-in-Chief of @TheUndefeated
More: https://t.co/vJnPtENtnO https://t.co/SSgKTj10Zo
— #NABJ Headquarters (@NABJ) May 4, 2021
https://twitter.com/LAT_Iliana/status/1389684336144834568?s=20
All that said, I’m so damn proud of and happy for @loonus. One of the greatest editors I’ve ever worked with. A person who @TheUndefeated owes an incredible debt to for her creativity, dedication and innovation. To say she’s “earned” this opportunity is a gross understatement.
— Justin Tinsley (@JustinTinsley) May 4, 2021
https://twitter.com/KelleyLCarter/status/1389564153409327109?s=20
The other part of this story—which is somewhat burying the lede, if you know her like I do—is that @loonus got promoted to EIC. So deserving & so inspiring to see hard work and talent rewarded like this. https://t.co/HsYKgJYSD1
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 3, 2021
Crushed that @meridak is departing @TheUndefeated. @latimes is getting a super transformative leader who will rejuvenate the place and make it better. Extremely happy that @loonus was promoted to run @TheUndefeated. Raina has the same passion that Kevin had to make The U special. https://t.co/ztX7f83FQM
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 3, 2021
I was lucky enough to have an office in @TheUndefeated newsroom & was impressed by how everyone admired & really respected their boss. Then @meridak became my boss & I joined his fan club. Plus he’s just fun to hang out with. Congrats my friend – the next drink is on me! https://t.co/VVKqtmQoeH
— Tisha Thompson (@TishaESPN) May 4, 2021
https://twitter.com/MRobertsNBPA/status/1389561888296644610?s=20
If I didn't know the meaning of bittersweet before today, I do now. The time I was lucky enough to spend in partnership with @meridak counts as one of the great joys and profound privileges of my career. Here's wishing Kevin every happiness, and congrats to the @latimes. https://t.co/fBTkTilqI5
— Rob King (@ESPN_RobKing) May 4, 2021
Congrats @meridak! I was inspired by your work at @TheUndefeated on a daily basis and can’t wait to see all the great things you do at @latimes! https://t.co/7HJQPfVwiF
— Dalia Elizabeth Ganz (@daliaganz) May 3, 2021
On this day in 1931, Willie Mays, the Say Hey Kid and one of the greatest baseball players of all time, was born in Westfield, Alabama.https://t.co/GaVfyGbbJU
— Joe Madison (@MadisonSiriusXM) May 6, 2021
What an inspiring story! Amy Bockerstette is set to become the first person with Down syndrome to compete in a national collegiate athletic championship. Read more at https://t.co/8p6y4QVl7N. #WeAreSOSC pic.twitter.com/W9cjBuqcvJ
— Special Olympics Southern California (@SOSoCal) May 5, 2021
Wrote a piece about my Alma Mater and old track team! Not only do they have athletes who are qualified for the Olympics and Olympic trials but they are in a good position to make history by becoming the first HBCU to win a NCAA DI Championship. #NCAThttps://t.co/h0qz0c2XJ0
— Meag Thee Writer (@itsme_agannn) May 6, 2021
I have spent my entire life obsessed with Everest. So I love this story by my friend @alyroe as we approach the 100th anniversary of the May 29, 1953 reaching of the summit. https://t.co/jUwNUCNWSw
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) May 5, 2021
https://twitter.com/JJT_Journalist/status/1390014626490945541?s=20
Can Parker bring the @chicagosky their first #WNBA Championship? https://t.co/FBXWg3Usyk
— WomensBasketball247 (@womensbball247) May 6, 2021
– Michael Skarka