Michael Giarrusso, a long-time champion of digital journalism and newsroom innovation, has been appointed Vice President of News Strategy at The Associated Press (AP). A leader with over three decades at AP, Giarrusso will now focus on shaping and promoting distinctive journalism that strengthens AP’s digital engagement and supports new funding avenues.
Michael Giarrusso. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
As a Vice-Chair and Board Member of the News Media Coalition (NMC), Giarrusso has been a strong advocate for fact-based journalism and the essential role of independent quality journalism in the news ecosystem.
His new role will see him working across AP’s News, Revenue, and Technology teams, ensuring AP’s journalism remains essential for both customers and global audiences. He will also serve as the primary news liaison to the AP Fund for Journalism, driving grant-funded support for state and local news.
Previously leading AP’s Global Beats teams, Giarrusso played a pivotal role in expanding audience-friendly coverage, from livestream events to in-depth grant-funded reporting on health, science, religion, and climate. His leadership also modernized AP’s sports coverage, implementing a more streamlined and digitally optimized approach.
Giarrusso began his AP career as an intern in Atlanta in 1992, later serving as Global Sports Editor for eight years. His commitment to newsroom diversity is well recognized—he co-founded AP’s Inclusion Champions program and remains an advocate for diversity and inclusion across the industry.
Other key AP leadership updates include the appointments of Corinne Chin as Director of News Talent for Recruitment, Jessica Gresko leading AP’s strategy for state and local newsroom grants, and Steven Sloan overseeing U.S. grant-funded content strategy.
