Jalen Beckford is a journalist and digital producer at Punchbowl News, where he edits and produces the outlet’s flagship AM newsletter and daily video podcast, The Daily Punch. He covers Congress, while also editing video content, producing social clips and helping shape Punchbowl News’ overall digital strategy.

Before joining Punchbowl News in 2025, Beckford worked at CNN as an assignment editor and news associate in Washington, where he reported and wrote breaking political news for CNN Politics and CNN’s live blogs. He coordinated coverage across the Washington bureau during major breaking news events and helped manage overnight reporting on the White House, Congress, campaigns and national security beats.

Beckford previously reported for the Oglethorpe Echo in Georgia and interned with CNN’s National Desk and NBC News’ TODAY show, contributing to digital reporting, broadcast production and audience engagement strategies.

A graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, Beckford earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in communication studies. He is based in the Washington, D.C., area.