“Amateurs build the arc, professionals build the titanic.”
Delano Massey is an award-winning journalist, media executive, and entrepreneur with a distinguished career spanning print, digital, and broadcast journalism. As the CEO and founder of Tabl3 Ventures, Incorporated, he is at the forefront of media innovation, leveraging his expertise in journalism, strategic communications, and brand storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and build new pathways for media equity.
Leadership & Innovation in Journalism
Massey serves as Managing Editor of Axios Local, co-leading a nationwide newsroom of over 80 staff members. Under his leadership, Axios Local expanded from 14 to 32 markets, growing its audience to over 2 million subscribers. He played a pivotal role in shaping Axios Local’s recruitment, hiring, and training strategies, while developing large-scale journalism projects that connect audiences to vital reporting on politics, housing, and economic development. His expertise in election coverage has positioned Axios Local as a leader in reporting on local and national political landscapes, particularly in the 2024 election cycle.
CNN, The Associated Press & High-Impact Journalism
Before joining Axios, Massey was a Supervising Producer at CNN, where he founded and led the Race & Equality team during the historic social justice movements of 2020. He played a key role in CNN’s coverage of the George Floyd protests, the Breonna Taylor case, and systemic inequities in policing and criminal justice. Additionally, he contributed to the launch of CNN Audio’s Silence Is Not an Option podcast with Don Lemon and managed high-profile legal and political coverage on CNN’s Justice Team, including oversight of the January 6 insurrection, Department of Justice investigations, and Project 2025.
Massey also served as Deputy News Director at The Associated Press, supervising nearly 200 journalists across 14 states. His tenure at AP included leading investigations into racial justice issues, directing coverage of major trials (including those of R. Kelly, Jussie Smollett, and Amber Guyger), and integrating digital transformation strategies to modernize newsrooms. His leadership contributed to award-winning journalism on the Red Summer centennial, ensuring critical historical narratives were brought to national attention.
Entrepreneurship, Public Speaking & Tabl3 Ventures
In addition to his newsroom leadership, Massey is the CEO of Tabl3 Ventures, Inc., which focuses on media, marketing strategy, and community investment. Through its subsidiary Tabl3X, Massey works with businesses and organizations to build impactful brand strategies, emphasizing equity, storytelling, and digital transformation. Tabl3 Ventures also provides consulting services, including crisis management and strategic communications for companies, nonprofits, and public figures.
Massey has helped launch specialty bourbon projects with Castle & Key Bourbon, Pinhook, and an upcoming project with Old Carter Bourbon, working closely with the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild to build out their website and media strategy.
Beyond his entrepreneurial efforts, Massey is a sought-after public speaker, frequently engaging audiences on media equity, race and justice in journalism, newsroom innovation, and Black entrepreneurship. He has spoken at national conferences, universities, and industry events, offering insights into the evolving media landscape and the power of storytelling.
Massey is also an investor in Tabiri Analytics and local housing in Atlanta and consults with the National Black Chamber of Commerce to support economic growth and strategic initiatives.
Commitment to Diversity & Industry Leadership
A passionate advocate for newsroom diversity and mentorship, Massey serves on the National Press Club Journalism Institute board and is a mentor for the Maynard Institute. He has participated in CNN’s Executive Leadership training and the Poynter-NABJ Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media. His contributions to journalism have been recognized with numerous awards, including the McClatchy President’s Award, multiple Kentucky Press Association honors, and the prestigious “Most Influential 100” recognition in 2021.
Education & Personal Influence
Massey holds a B.A. in Mass Media Communications from the University of Akron and remains an active member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His career exemplifies a commitment to high-quality journalism, innovation, and mentorship, making him a leading voice in today’s media landscape.
Core Leadership Traits
- Visionary: A forward-thinking leader who drives media innovation, champions diversity, and creates new opportunities in journalism and storytelling.
- Strategic: An expert in digital transformation, audience growth, and cross-platform storytelling, leveraging his experience across newsrooms, startups, and media ventures.
- Authentic Communicator: A storyteller at heart, Massey bridges the gap between editorial teams, media partners, and the public, ensuring impactful narratives that resonate across communities.
- Mentor & Advocate: A dedicated mentor and advocate for diverse newsroom leadership, fostering the next generation of journalists and media executives.
Through his journalistic integrity, entrepreneurial vision, and commitment to equity, Delano Massey continues to shape the future of media while amplifying underrepresented voices across industries.
