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John Zarrella founded JZMedia after a 32-year career at CNN, where he served as the network’s space correspondent. A graduate of St. Thomas University with a Bachelor’s in English, he helped establish the college’s journalism program before starting his television news career as a producer. He held executive producer roles at WJTV-TV in Miami and WBAL-TV in Baltimore, followed by four years at WXIA-TV in Atlanta.
John joined CNN in 1981 as the executive producer at its world headquarters in Atlanta, overseeing the quality and content of newscasts. In 1983, when CNN established its Miami Bureau, John became a correspondent covering Florida, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. His tenacity and enthusiasm quickly made him a household name, as he reported from the front lines on bombings, hijackings, and natural disasters.
As CNN’s space correspondent, John covered pivotal events such as the Challenger disaster, John Glenn’s return to space, various national security and science missions, and the final flights of the space shuttle program. His deep passion for the space industry and his comprehensive knowledge of its intricacies have been evident throughout his career.
John has earned numerous accolades, including an Edward R. Murrow Award, two Emmys, and an Outstanding Achievement Award at the 2002 National Hurricane Conference. In March 2024, he received the National Space Club and Foundation “Press Award” for his exceptional coverage of America’s space program. Today, John remains actively engaged with the space community, hosting significant events at the Kennedy Space Center, including Astronaut Hall of Fame inductions and Apollo and Space Shuttle anniversaries.
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