This month, we welcome the new managing editor of the Albuquerque Journal, who will discuss “Journalism in 2026.” That’s a broad title and an important topic, and our speaker’s nearly 50-year career in newspapers gives him insights into what’s happening in journalism across the country and here in Albuquerque.
James Bennett began his journalism career as a high school sports stringer in his hometown of Cookeville, Tennessee. He later attended the University of Tennessee, earning a degree in Communications. He was a summer intern at The Atlanta Journal in 1982.
Before coming to Albuquerque in April, Bennett had returned to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a senior editor, in charge of the South's largest newspaper and news website on nights and weekends.
During his career, Bennett was the top editor at four newspapers in four states that earned Newspaper of the Year honors during his tenure. Those include The Anniston Star (Alabama) and Columbia Daily Herald (Tennessee), the Southern Illinoisan and the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (Texas).
Bennett spent the first half of his career in sports journalism, including roles as sports editor of The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson and assistant sports editor of The Arizona Republic in Phoenix.
Born in Culver City, California, Bennett considers Cookeville, Tennessee, his hometown. His mother is originally from Detroit, and he grew up a Detroit Tigers fan. Bennett and his wife, Liz, enjoy traveling, outlet shopping, karaoke, watching sports and movies, going to church, and keeping up with her family in the Philippines.
