Eric Deggans is the Knight Chair of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. As one of 26 professors in positions endowed at 23 different universities by the Knight Foundation, he oversees instruction on journalism ethics at the school, developing programs to spread understanding of values grounding the craft.
Learn More
JOURNALIST
Since fall 2025, Eric has served as critic at large at NPR, transitioning to this position after 12 years as the network’s first full-time TV critic, media analyst and guest host. Before NPR he worked 18 years at the Tampa Bay Times newspaper. He has also contributed at CNN, NBC News, the New York Times, POLITICO, U.S. News and World Report and other outlets.
Learn More about Eric Deggans
AUTHOR
In Race-Baiter, Eric Deggans dissects the powerful ways modern media feeds fears, prejudices, and hate, while also tracing the history of the word and its consequences, intended or otherwise.
Learn More about Race - Baiter
PUNDIT
Eric has appeared as a pundit and expert on MSNBC, Fox News Channel, PBS’ The NewsHour, the Tom Joyner Morning Show and many other outlets.
Learn More
PUBLIC SPEAKER
Eric is available as a keynote speaker, instructor and thought leader on a wide range of topics, including: race issues, media, pop culture, social media, brand identity, music, online technology and much more.
“The Internet allows people to tailor their news consumption so precisely, that its possible that people will never run into views they disagree with, and that’s a distressing possibility. You ought to be challenged.”