Otis Sanford is an award-winning writer and professor emeritus in Journalism and Strategic Media at the University of Memphis. He is the author of the critically acclaimed book, “From Boss Crump to King Willie: How Race Changed Memphis Politics,” and co-author of “In a Colorful Place: Seasoned Opinion About Memphis About Home About Life.” His third book is scheduled for release in spring 2026.

Sanford also serves as political analyst and commentator for WATN-TV ABC24 News, a columnist for The Daily Memphian online newspaper and political analyst for WKNO-FM, the NPR radio station in Memphis. He formerly held the position of Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalism at the University of Memphis.

A Mississippi native and graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor's degree in journalism, Sanford formally served as Managing Editor, Editorial Page Editor and Viewpoint Columnist for The Commercial Appeal. He began his professional journalism career at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, and has also worked as an editor at The Pittsburgh Press and Detroit Free Press. He is highly respected nationally for his longtime advocacy of freedom of the press, newsroom diversity and public service through journalism.

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