Ep. 303 Tony Morrison
The Tony Morrison Story: A Journey from Broadcast Journalism to HIV Advocacy
Jeanne Pepper and Tony Morrison, September 2025
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Tony Morrison, an Emmy and GLAAD award-winning producer and journalist, to discuss his remarkable career and profound personal journey. Tony, a former senior producer at ABC's Good Morning America, shares how his work in broadcast journalism laid the foundation for his current role as a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ community. The conversation explores his impactful history at GLAAD, where he served as Senior Director of Communications, and the pivotal moment he decided to publicly share his own story of living with HIV.
The discussion delves into Tony's life and work, highlighting his commitment to destigmatizing HIV and amplifying the voices of those living with the virus. We learn about his personal experience of keeping his diagnosis a secret for years before his brave decision to go public with an essay for Good Morning America. This act of vulnerability sparked a new chapter in his career, shaping his advocacy work and inspiring his digital series, "Truth Be Told," which spotlights thriving individuals in the HIV community.
Tony's journey is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in creating social change. We explore how he used his skills as a journalist to lead GLAAD’s on-the-ground response to critical events, ensuring accurate media representation for the LGBTQ community. The episode is a masterclass in turning personal challenge into public advocacy, as Tony shares how his experiences at GMA and GLAAD fueled his passion for visibility and acceptance, ultimately paving the way for his work today. Since his departure from GLAAD, three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Tony Morrison has launched a new chapter in his career by founding the Morrison Media Group (MMG). This move signifies an evolution of his mission to use media and storytelling for social impact. At MMG, Tony is focused on creating campaigns, custom communication strategies, and partnerships rooted in cultural relevance.
MMG operates on the principle that meaningful change happens "off-camera" and "in the pitch room," where he can help individuals and organizations "shine brighter, sound bolder, and connect with other people." The new company provides access to a network of speakers and creators and specializes in digital video and authentic narratives that bridge gaps in representation, particularly for LGBTQ+ communities and nonprofits. Tony's career has been a journey from traditional broadcast journalism at places like Good Morning America to powerful advocacy. With MMG, he is building a new space where his passion for storytelling meets a clear purpose, creating a movement that transforms ideas into influential, enduring campaigns.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Tony Morrison
Social Media: Facebook. Instagram
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers
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DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at Producers@PepptalkswithJeanne.com #PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward
