Carlos Watson (journalist)

Carlos Watson (born September 29, 1969) is an American entrepreneur, journalist, television host, executive producer, and education advocate. He co-founded College Track, a college completion program for underserved students, with Laurene Powell Jobs, and Achieva, a college-access and test-prep initiative.

Over a two-decade television career, Watson worked as a host and journalist for networks including CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, PBS, and OWN. His programs included Conversations with Carlos Watson (Hearst Television), which won an Emmy Award, Point Taken (PBS), and The Carlos Watson Show (YouTube/Amazon Prime Video). He also executive produced Black Women OWN the Conversation for OWN, which won an Emmy Award in 2020. He has interviewed numerous notable figures, including U.S. Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, Prime Ministers such as Tony Blair, business leaders like Mark Cuban and Bill Gates, and other prominent figures across politics, business, and culture.

Watson co-founded OZY Media in 2012 and served as its CEO. The multi-platform media and entertainment company produced television series, podcasts, documentaries, newsletters, festivals, and awards programs, with a focus on spotlighting emerging talent and underrepresented stories.

Watson served on the Board of Directors of NPR from 2018 to 2021.

In September 2021, a New York Times article about OZY's investor communications drew media industry attention. Watson was subsequently charged, with a jury finding him guilty of fraud in 2024. His sentencing drew criticism from some commentators. Watson was granted clemency by President Donald Trump in 2025.