Jonah Kessel
About Jonah Kessel
Jonah Kessel serves as the Deputy Director of Opinion Video at The New York Times, where he leads cinematography efforts and manages video production. He has extensive experience in journalism and visual storytelling, having worked in various capacities at The New York Times and other media organizations across the globe.
Work at The New York Times
Jonah Kessel currently serves as the Deputy Director of Opinion Video at The New York Times, a position he has held since 2021. He previously worked in various roles at the organization, including Director of Cinematography from 2018 to 2021, and Senior Video Journalist from 2016 to 2021. His tenure also includes experience as a Video Journalist in both Beijing and Hong Kong from 2011 to 2014 and 2014 to 2016, respectively. Kessel runs the Times video studio, a dedicated production space located at the Times headquarters in midtown Manhattan.
Education and Expertise
Jonah Kessel has a diverse educational background in media and journalism. He studied Media Studies at Massey University in 2002-2003 and earned a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Saint Michael's College from 2001 to 2005. Additionally, he studied Visual Journalism at James Cook University in 2003-2004. His expertise extends to cinematography, where he leads The New York Times's efforts in managing aesthetic and technological strategies.
Background
Before joining The New York Times, Jonah Kessel worked in various capacities in the media industry. He served as a Freelance Photographer for the Burlington Free Press in 2005 and was the Visual Director at Tahoe Daily Tribune from 2006 to 2009. Kessel also held the position of Creative Director at China Daily in 2009-2010. His early career included work as a Cinematographer and Creative Director at his own website from 2002 to 2012.
Achievements
Jonah Kessel has received multiple accolades for his work in journalism and cinematography. He is a four-time recipient of the Multimedia Journalist of the Year award from Pictures of the Year International. Kessel has also won the Innovative Storytelling Award from the National Press Foundation and the World Press Photo award. He was part of teams that received the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting in 2013 and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2019. Additionally, he contributed to projects that have garnered seven news and documentary Emmy Awards since 2021.