PERSON: Will Ripley

Reporter

Will Ripley is an award-winning correspondent for CNN, based at the network’s Tokyo bureau. A journalist with 15 years of experience, Ripley is responsible for covering major news stories from Japan and across the Asia Pacific region.

Since joining CNN, Ripley has contributed to the network’s coverage of several major stories. Ripley was the only television journalist to interview three American detainees in North Korea, making headlines around the world. He also contributed to breaking news coverage of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the crash of Malaysia Airlines MH17, the South Korea ferry tragedy, and the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines MH370.

Prior to CNN, Ripley spent three years as an investigative journalist and anchor for KUSA-TV in Denver, Colorado. He covered major stories including the Aurora theater shooting, catastrophic wildfires and floods, and the historic legalization of recreational marijuana.

Prior to his appointment at KUSA, Ripley spent seven years on the U.S-Mexico border as an anchor and investigative reporter for KRGV-TV in South Texas. He reported on drug cartels, border violence and illegal immigration. Ripley also traveled to South America where he reported on a surge in Mara Salvatrucha gang activity.

Before moving to Texas, Ripley worked for KRCG-TV and KOMU-TV in Missouri.

Throughout his career, Ripley has won numerous reporting accolades including four Regional Edward R. Murrow awards and a Heartland Regional Emmy award. He was honored by the Texas Association of Broadcasters with the Steve Pieringer award for outstanding valor in news coverage, which is given to journalists who exhibit bravery by going above and beyond the call of duty.

Ripley studied journalism at the University of Missouri in Columbia and is an accomplished cameraman and editor.

— CNN