When J.T. Mitchell was hired as news director in December 2021, the decision was based solely on his qualifications, experience, and proven track record as a journalist and leader. Under his guidance, SuperTalk Mississippi News has set audience records and received multiple awards for accurate, thoughtful reporting across both digital and broadcast platforms.
J.T.’s mother is Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who announced Tuesday, Aug. 4, her intention to run for governor in 2027.
SuperTalk Mississippi News has long maintained a firewall around coverage involving J.T.’s mother. Consistent with this policy, J.T. has not and will not participate in reporting on matters involving her. As the 2027 election cycle begins, we are publicly reaffirming this stance and strengthening our approach to statewide race coverage.
J.T. will continue as news director. Meanwhile, we are bringing in Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James “Jim” Asher to oversee statewide stories when necessary.
Jim is currently an active investigative journalist. He was part of the team awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting and previously served as Washington bureau chief for McClatchy. His career also includes senior editing roles at The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Baltimore Sun.
Jim’s involvement adds an independent review layer for coverage of competitive statewide races, ensuring fair and comprehensive reporting on all candidates while J.T. maintains leadership of the newsroom.
Mississippi is a small state, and personal connections are an unavoidable part of life here. What matters is how those relationships are managed. Our policies and our commitment to ethical journalism ensure that personal relationships never influence our reporting.
Our mission remains unchanged: to serve the people of Mississippi with trustworthy news and information.
