Women in media are expanding the scope of thought leadership in sports, shifting coverage from hot takes to transformative conversations. No longer confined to the sidelines, they are reshaping how fans, brands, and institutions understand power, equity, and possibility. As one emerging mantra puts it, “Black women in media aren’t asking for a microphone anymore—we’re building the studio.”

Women in sports media are no longer just changing the conversation—they’re setting the agenda. As the NBA All-Star Weekend and the Super Bowl dominate headlines, their voices are driving the takes that shape locker rooms, front offices, and fan debates alike.

Lynn Jones is a clear example. A veteran reporter and cultural voice, Lynn has leveraged newspapers, radio, podcasting, and the web to move beyond box scores and into the realm of public conscience.

At the same time, Lynn is leading conversations at the intersection of media and technology in sports: digital media literacy, algorithmic bias, and how communication tools can either reinforce or dismantle systemic barriers. In doing so, she and her peers are proving that women in media are not just part of the story—they are architects of the next playbook.

A release from YahooSports shares the following: 

Jones’ 27 seconds of encouragement toward head coach Liam Coen prompted several conversations about what can, and cannot be said or asked in a sports journalist role.

A reporter whose 27 seconds of encouragement for an NFL football coach turned into a conversation about professionalism as a sports journalist isn’t shying away from the moment.

During the Jacksonville Jaguars’ heartbreaking Wild Card round loss to the Buffalo Bills, Lynn Jones, who works for the Jacksonville Free Press, one of 230 African-American newspapers in the country, used her time to speak life into first-year head coach Liam Cohen.

“I just want to tell you, congratulations on your success, young man,” Jones said to Coen on Sunday (Jan. 11). “You hold your head up, all right? You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today. You just hold your head up, OK? Ladies and gentlemen, Duval, you the one. Keep it going, we got another season, OK? Take care, and much continued success to you and the entire team.”

Coen thanked her for her kind words.

The exchange quickly went viral on Twitter and other social media, with several notable sports journalists, past and present, weighing in. Some had positive responses to Jones’ comments while others felt she violated the sanctity of sports journalism. One comment from reporter Mark Long gained plenty of traction.

In his since-deleted tweet, Long wrote, “Nothing “awesome” about fans/fake media doing stuff like that. It should be embarrassing for the people who credentialed her and her organization, and it’s a waste of time for those of us actually working.”

The Jacksonville Free Press did not take too kindly to being labeled “fake media,” leading to a roundtable discussion with Jemele Hill and others on the subject.

A day removed from the conversation and her moment of compassion, Jones spoke to The Athletic and confirmed not only that she wasn’t apologizing for her words of encouragement, but also that she wasn’t backing down after a 30-year career in journalism and ties to the Jaguars organization dating back to their debut season in 1995.

“There are no protocols for a press conference,” Jones told The Athletic. “We do not receive any type of information saying, ‘Hey, you can’t say this, you can’t say that.’ Because I noticed that’s what the controversy is right now.”

The Detroit native added she believes the clip went viral only because the Jaguars lost the game. Having worked in Jacksonville for a number of years, she says her comments spoke for the fans in the city who ride and die with the team. But the incident won’t change how she does her job going forward.

“I’m not getting ready to get into no rules and regulations and what you can and cannot say and cannot do,” she said. “We have enough of this going on already. We’re in communications, we’re in a field. … There’s nothing wrong with expressing how you feel and being emotionally invested.”

The National Association of Black Journalists also stepped up for Jones, releasing a statement on Tuesday (Jan. 13).

“For nearly 200 years, the Black Press has been central to American journalism, documenting history, challenging power, and serving communities long excluded from mainstream coverage,” NABJ president Errin Haines shared in a statement. “Journalists from that tradition bring deep institutional knowledge, community trust, and decades of professional rigor. Debate strengthens journalism. Disparagement does not. Dismissing that work as ‘fake’ or unprofessional is not a defense of standards — it is an act of erasure that reinforces inequity within our industry.”

Ultimately, Jones said she’s not backing away from what she said, nor did she prepare for the moment to occur the way it did. In fact, she wasn’t even going to attend the press conference until she was encouraged to.

Now she’s turning that momentum into movement. Through newspapers, radio, podcasts, and the web, Lynn is pushing a new era of digital media literacy and social change in sports. Her “ProTALKS Florida” initiative invites young women to step into the control room—learning how to code the stories, cut the clips, and command the narratives that technology once used to mute them. “When I step to the mic,” she says, “I’m carrying communities, daughters, and future leaders with me.” Her new not‑for‑profit campaign, ProTALKS Florida, is designed to turn that conviction into a pipeline—equipping young women to become decision‑makers, producers, strategists, and effective agents for social change.

Media Contact: 

Neily Jones, Promotion & Marketing Associate

904.318.2633 • nbraren@wjct.org

Introducing the Northeast Florida News Collaborative

Jacksonville (January 20, 2026) – A coalition of Northeast Florida news organizations – including Jacksonville Today – plan to tackle the issue of housing costs as a shared editorial project in 2026.

Working together, these print, digital and broadcast outlets will examine the complex causes of and solutions to the local housing affordability crisis so that bad actors are held accountable and citizens, nonprofits and policymakers can make informed decisions.

Not so long ago, Northeast Florida was the state’s best-kept housing secret: It was a younger, working-class alternative to the gilded retirement getaways in the state’s other large metros. Land was plentiful. Rents were lower. Houses were a bargain, even at the Beaches.

That has changed dramatically.

More than half of renting households in Northeast Florida today suffer from excessive housing costs (more than 30% of household income), along with nearly a quarter of homeowners, according to 2023 U.S. Census data. Meanwhile, Jacksonville is Florida’s eviction capital; residents here are kicked out of their homes at twice the rate as Miami, and well above Orlando and Tampa.

And voters in Jacksonville told the University of North Florida Public Opinion Research Lab in 2025 that housing costs topped their list of concerns, displacing crime for the first time in the survey’s history. Just five years ago, only 3% of voters said the same. In 2019, housing didn’t even make the list.

“Affordable housing has been a focus for the Jacksonville Today news team since our inception,” says Jacksonville Today Editor Jessica Palombo. “By joining together with other local news outlets in the Northeast Florida News Collaborative, we are able to shine a brighter spotlight on causes and solutions that affect housing affordability in our communities.”

For Jacksonville Today’s readers, that will mean more stories on housing from these partner outlets will appear on jaxtoday.org and in our newsletter. We also will explore reporting collaboratively with partner newsrooms, doing more than we could with our resources alone.

“I look forward to working with this diverse group of local news partners, which include both legacy outlets and startups, TV and digital publications, commercial outlets and nonprofits. In an era of shrinking resources for local newsrooms, we believe we will be stronger together,” Palombo said.

About the Northeast Florida News Collaborative

The Northeast Florida News Collaborative is a coalition of news organizations dedicated to providing news and information in the public interest for a more informed and engaged Northeast Florida.

Partner news organizations are dedicated to providing fact-based news and information serving the Northeast Florida community. The partnership spans broadcast, digital, and print media, specifically mentioning News4JAX and the Northeast Florida News Collaborative (which includes Lynn and Friends) with the intent to work together on a shared, in-depth editorial project throughout 2026 to examine the drivers behind housing costs and potential solutions.

This collaborative effort comes as Jacksonville deals with significant population growth, a 43% growth in GDP, and a 10% increase in housing development, leading to intense pressure on affordability. 

Founding partners are:

• Baker County Press
• Jacksonville Business Journal
• Jacksonville Free Press (contact Lynn Jones-Turpin for advertising)
• Jacksonville Today
• News4Jax
• The Florida Times-Union
• The Tributary

The Liam Coen-Lynn Jones moment, the backlash and why journalism is still worth defending

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen, pictured talking to reporters during training camp in August, received a pep talk from journalist Lynn Jones after his team’s loss to the Bills on Sunday.

When it comes to getting exposure in America’s most influential media outlets, it really is who you know. As any good PR person will tell you, if you want major-league publicity there’s simply no substitute for having personal contacts at top shows and publications.  Unfortunately, it’s normally not easy to get busy editors and producers to return your phone calls, let alone take the time to meet with you. That is, until now.

Here’s your chance to get big-time national publicity by personally meeting top journalists and producers face-to-face, behind closed doors at Steve Harrison’s…

He has put together a unique, closed-door event where you can listen to them reveal the secrets of getting coverage in their publications (or shows). When it comes to getting exposure in America’s most influential media outlets, it really is who you know. As any good PR person will tell you, if you want major-league publicity there’s simply no substitute for having personal contacts at top shows and publications.  Unfortunately, it’s normally not easy to get busy editors and producers to return your phone calls, let alone take the time to meet with you. That is, until now.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Think Bold Festival & Conference proudly announces the 2026 Think Bold Honors Awards presented by VyStar Credit Union. The event will be held on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, at VyStar Headquarters located at 76 S. Laura Street in Downtown Jacksonville.

The Think Bold Honors Awards recognize exceptional leaders whose work is shaping a more equitable, innovative, and inclusive Jacksonville. Each honoree will receive a custom-crafted Think Bold Montblanc Writing Instrument, symbolizing excellence, precision, and bold leadership.

The Think Bold Festival and Conference will be held April 8-12, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and surrounding venues. Think Bold is a hub for big ideas, bold leadership and transformative action. As a trusted leader in community investment and financial empowerment, VyStar’s partnership has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s mission – ensuring it continues to serve as a platform for inspiring change and fostering meaningful connections.

“VyStar is honored to present the 2026 Think Bold Honors Awards, recognizing visionaries whose bold leadership is expanding economic mobility, capital access, and community voice across Jacksonville,” said Kemal Gasper, VP, Community Engagement, VyStar Credit Union. “Their impact reflects the values we champion and inspires us to build a more connected, thriving city.”

Twelve extraordinary leaders will be recognized during the Think BoldHonors 2026. The Think Bold Honors Ceremony will spotlight trailblazers, innovators, and community champions in philanthropy, business, advocacy, and the arts. With the festival’s mission to inspire entrepreneurship, workforce development, and innovation, these honorees embody the bold spirit of transformation and community impact.

2026 Honorees and Categories

• Civic Engagement & Community Voice Award
  Honoree: Wanda Willis – 
  
  
• Corporate Civic Leadership Award
  Honoree: Darnell Smith – 
  
  
• Economic Justice & Capital Access Award
  Honoree: Caleena Shirley – 
  
  
• Environmental Equity & Placemaking Award
  Honoree: Kay Ehas – 
  
  
• Faith & Cultural Unity Leadership Award
  Honoree: Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Jr. – 
  
  
• Health & Youth Development Leadership Award
  Honoree: Eric Mann – 
  
  
• Hispanic Impact & Inclusion Award
  Honoree: Monica Hernandez – 
  
  
• Neighborhood Transformation & Anti-Poverty Award
  Honoree: Travis Williams – 
  
  
• Small Business Equity & Government Impact Award
  Honoree: Gregory Grant – 
  
  
• United Impact & Social Innovation Award
  Honoree: Melanie Patz – 
  
  
• Venture Capital & Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Award
  Honoree: Jim Stallings – 
  
  
• Women’s Empowerment & Social Leadership Award
  Honoree: Donna Orender – 
  
  
• Bold Leadership in Real Estate Award
  Honoree: Tinesha Tutt

“The Think Bold Honors Awards were created to amplify leaders who are not only doing the work, but shifting the culture of what leadership looks like in Jacksonville,” said Troy McNair Sr. & Maurice ‘Mo’ Henderson, Co-Founders of Think Bold Festival & Conference. “These honorees are builders, innovators, and community changemakers. Their leadership reflects the spirit of Think Bold – courageous, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to our city’s future.”

The THINK BOLD Honors Ceremony is an invitation-only event that sets the stage for the THINK BOLD Festival & Conference. For more information about THINK BOLD, including sponsorship opportunities or tickets for the festival, Click here or visit www.thinkboldfest.com.

About Think Bold Festival & Conference
Think Bold Festival & Conference is Jacksonville’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, workforce development, innovation, and culture. The annual festival brings together business leaders, creatives, students, and community stakeholders to accelerate ideas and build a bold, future-ready Jacksonville. 

About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 78 full-service branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.

SOURCE:  ProTALKS Media / Think Bold