Erica Mcintosh
Erica I. McIntosh is an award-winning journalist and media leader serving as Senior Regional Editor for Southern Connecticut at Connecticut Public. In this role, she leads editorial operations from a news bureau she established on the campus of Fairfield University, overseeing reporters, coordinating local coverage, and helping produce midday newscasts and programming for the station’s talk show Disrupted. She also manages the organization’s news internship program and created the “Black Voices” initiative, which focuses on elevating underrepresented perspectives in Connecticut journalism.
Her career spans more than two decades across television and public media, with a strong foundation in newsroom production and editorial leadership. She has held key roles at stations including WTNH-TV and WFSB TV, where she built expertise as a producer and executive producer managing breaking news, segment development, and live broadcasts. Earlier in her career, she worked at News 12 Connecticut and began as a freelance producer, after gaining formative experience through internships, including work with political commentator Armstrong Williams in Washington, D.C. Her progression reflects a steady shift from production into senior editorial leadership.
Erica holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Quinnipiac University and a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Washington University. She is an Emmy-nominated producer and regional Edward R. Murrow Award recipient, recognized for her excellence in storytelling and broadcast journalism. She is also active in professional and civic organizations, including the National Association of Black Journalists and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Across her work, she emphasizes mentorship, community-centered reporting, and expanding opportunities for emerging journalists while strengthening public media’s role in democracy.
• Quinnipiac University- M.S.
• Trinity Washington University- B.A.
• Maynard Institute
• Poynter Institute
• Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Miss Jen from Georgia mini-documentary
• National Association of Black Journalists
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated
• Jack and Jill of America community service
• CONNECTICUT ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say a couple people have been instrumental. Keith Kuntz, who has been a lead TV news anchor at WTNH Channel 8 in New Haven for well over 25 years and is still on the air there, really helped me get my internship at Channel 8. Anytime I needed him to run things by him that I was experiencing at work, he was always there. He's just a really great person and a really great TV anchor. I would also say Gwen Edwards, who was a producer at News 12 Connecticut, has always been very helpful. She really kind of inspired me with her news judgment, and working alongside her, if I ever had any questions, I could reach out to her too.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, follow your gut. Follow your instincts. If you feel like you'd be well-suited to be on air, don't give up on your dream. If you feel like you're well-suited to be behind the scenes, that's great too. Just follow your gut, and don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do. You can do anything. Always have a mentor. Make sure you intern, ask questions, and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. I think a lot of times as women, sometimes our opinions, they'll give us a seat at the table, but we may not really always be wanted there. And maybe we're given a seat, but when we bring our full selves, some people don't like that. But if you want to be a leader, you've got to advocate for yourself, and don't be afraid to ask questions, and do what you think is right.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in journalism right now is working through a fast-moving and often difficult news cycle, both politically and socially, while maintaining accuracy and trust. At the same time, there are strong opportunities to develop new initiatives and platforms like “Black Voices” that elevate underrepresented stories, while also mentoring and shaping the next generation of journalists through internship and training programs.