Derrik J. Lang is an award-winning content creator specializing in lifestyle and entertainment coverage. He is formerly the lifestyle editor of Shondaland where he oversaw travel, design, wellness, style, and culinary stories. Lang was previously the deputy editor of Palm Springs Life, senior editor of American Airlines’ American Way, and as an entertainment journalist at The Associated Press.
While at the AP, Lang reported from such scenes as inside the Grammys’ mosh pit, behind the see-through walls of the Big Brother house, in the balcony at the Academy Awards, and on the set of The Muppets. He has interviewed a diverse array of celebrities, creatives, and executives while on the entertainment beat, ranging from the Beach Boys to the Beastie Boys.
Lang guided the AP’s coverage of reality TV and the interactive medium. He consistently broke news on Survivor and American Idol at the peak of their popularity, as well as documented the rise of next-generation video game consoles, e-sports, and virtual reality. His in-depth coverage of the popular interactive franchise Call of Duty was honored by the Los Angeles Press Club.
His work has been published around the world, including in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Chicago Tribune, and Washington Post, as well as featured on the front pages of such online portals as MSN and Yahoo! For three years, he co-hosted the weekly AP video series Up Down Left Right about the interactive industry. In 2015, he appeared in the documentary Gameplay: The Story of the Video Game Revolution.
Previously, Lang dabbled in TV production, working on such series as the CW’s America’s Next Top Model, TLC’s Help Wanted and MTV’s Room Raiders. Lang has also contributed to E!’s coverage of New York Fashion Week, appeared as an expert guest on several series and served as a moderator at various technology and entertainment conferences. He currently hosts the podcast Dynasty As They Wanna Be, which chronicles the iconic 1980s television series.
Derrik J. Lang 