Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
What would it look like if every space and place we entered reflected the Arizona State University Charter and its statement that ASU is “... measured not by whom it excludes, but by whom it includes and how they succeed”?
It's questions like this that Kristina Vera-Phillips, doctoral candidate at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, explores as part of her dissertation, “So Many Uncomfortable Spaces.” Her work is ultimately focused on fairness in journalism and how newsroom leaders can support reporting with many different perspectives.
This spring Vera-Phillips will be honored as an Outstanding Graduate for the Cronkite School and earn her PhD at Graduate Commencement.
She recently shared reflections on her research and her time at the Cronkite School.
Her takeaway is hope.
Note: The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Question: Can you explain the focus of your dissertation?
Answer: From my experience as a newsroom producer and manager, I recognized that I had a different experience from my colleagues who were not journalists of color. When I came into the Cronkite School as a doctoral student, I still had questions and that led me to the idea of fairness. It is what legitimizes journalism.
I interviewed people from across the industry who are Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) or mixed-race identity and asked them questions like, “What do you think is fair?” “What is fair in your reporting?” “How do you see fairness enacted or not enacted in your reporting?” What I found was that no matter the market, newsroom leadership teams are the ones defining what fairness is and what is appropriate.
Q: How do you see newsrooms leaning into inclusion in terms of how individuals are treated and the types of stories that are covered?
A: What it comes down to is that different perspectives and voices, even if they are toxic to some communities, have some value in hearing them within reason. It is learning how to approach an issue, the idea that the journalist is researching for truth, and in order to do that you have to talk to people. Whether you agree with the perspective or not, we have to give people the opportunity to share their story.
Q: What is your message to future journalists?
A: Students come to the Cronkite School from a variety of places and reasons as to why they want to be storytellers and content producers. The cool stuff starts with the fundamentals and basic questions, as well as critical questions and the questions we don’t normally ask in real life related to identity so you can understand where the person is coming from. As journalists, we will always be doing the uncomfortable thing of asking questions and speaking truth to power.
Q: What do you hope the average person takes away from your research?
A: Recognizing that journalism is more than hitting the headlines, it starts with human beings, our communities, the people we grow up with, and recognizing we have a perspective on society that is intrinsic to who we are and where we come from. Those perspectives should be reflected in media. If you go to training, if you come through the Cronkite School, if you intern and enter industry, recognize that you have the power to produce content and tell stories at the same time as someone else who may not share your culture, heritage or identity. We are all part of shaping the narrative and shaping the idea of what it means to be part of this society.
Q: You ended your defense with hope. Why are you so hopeful?
A: I see journalism and news media as the ones that help make our society better for all communities. When you share every conversation, story and experience authentically, I believe we can change society for the better.
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