Jonathan McCall
Houston
Summary
Strategic communications and media relations professional with extensive experience in integrated storytelling and crisis management. Demonstrated success in building media relationships and executing multi-channel campaigns that enhance audience engagement and organizational visibility. Skilled in aligning messaging with brand strategies and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Anchor / Managing Editor
TEGNA
Phoenix
05.2022 - 12.2024
- Led enterprise-level communications and content initiatives across broadcast, digital, and streaming platforms in a top-tier media market.
- Drafted, reviewed, and edited communication materials including public statements, media briefs, executive messaging, digital content, and breaking news communications.
- Ensured messaging aligned with organizational priorities, brand standards, editorial guidelines, and strategic communication objectives.
- Contributed to the planning and execution of integrated, multi-channel communication campaigns that increased audience engagement by 15%.
- Built and maintained relationships with journalists, public officials, community leaders, and industry stakeholders to strengthen organizational visibility and trust.
- Developed compelling narratives that translated complex policy, public affairs, and technical topics into clear, audience-focused storytelling.
- Managed rapid-response communications and applied crisis communication best practices during sensitive and high-pressure situations.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with leadership, digital teams, producers, and external partners to ensure timely execution of strategic initiatives.
- Leveraged audience analytics and engagement insights to refine communication strategies and strengthen message effectiveness.
- Moderated town halls, executive forums, and community discussions to support enterprise communications and stakeholder engagement.
- Mentored communications staff and implemented workflow improvements to enhance collaboration and operational efficiency.
Anchor / Reporter
Nexstar Media Group
San Francisco
07.2019 - 05.2022
- Executed high-profile breaking news and crisis communication coverage while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and strategic message discipline.
- Developed proactive story pitches and cultivated strong relationships with media contacts, public agencies, and community organizations.
- Managed external communications and media engagement strategies across broadcast and digital platforms.
- Helped drive a 30% increase in digital and social engagement through targeted storytelling and audience-focused content strategies.
- Collaborated with leadership and cross-functional teams to align messaging across platforms and initiatives.
- Produced executive-facing and public-facing communications tailored to diverse audiences.
Anchor / Reporter
CBS Television Stations
Baltimore
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Produced enterprise stories and strategic public affairs content that influenced public understanding of policy, community impact, and organizational messaging.
- Drafted and edited content for broadcast, digital, and social media distribution, maintaining AP Style accuracy to enhance audience engagement.
- Developed and maintained trusted relationships with government leaders, advocates, law enforcement, and community stakeholders.
- Communicated effectively during rapidly evolving news and public affairs situations, ensuring clarity and accurate information dissemination.
Anchor / Reporter
Cox Media Group
Tulsa
03.2014 - 05.2017
- Conducted interviews and developed impactful stories on community issues, public policy, and organizational accountability, fostering community engagement.
- Managed media relations and external communications, drafting press releases, media advisories, and public-facing messaging to enhance public awareness.
- Supported strategic communication initiatives through stakeholder engagement and audience outreach, strengthening organizational relationships.
- Worked collaboratively across editorial, production, and leadership teams to execute timely communications.
Aerographer's Mate Third Class (E-4)
United States Navy
Norfolk
02.2003 - 09.2006
- Delivered mission-critical briefings and translated complex meteorological and operational data into actionable communications for leadership.
- Coordinated information flow across teams in high-pressure environments to ensure accurate and timely decision-making.
- Trained junior personnel on reporting standards and communication protocols to enhance operational readiness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
Lamar University
Beaumont, TXSkills
- Public Relations Strategy
- Crisis communication
- Media Relations & Storytelling
- Executive Communications
- Strategic Messaging
- Crisis & Issues Management
- Integrated Communication Campaigns
- Digital & Social Media Strategy
- Content Development & Editing
- Media Monitoring & Analytics Tools
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Brand & Narrative Alignment
- AP Style & Editorial Excellence
- Social Media Platforms & Analytics
- Microsoft Office & PowerPoint
- Enterprise Communications
- Strategic PR counsel
- Media relationships
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Data-driven communication planning
- Collaborative leadership
- Multitasking under pressure
- Equity-focused storytelling
Websites
Selected Strengths
- Strategic PR counsel and enterprise storytelling
- Crisis communication and rapid-response messaging
- Strong media relationships and proactive pitching
- Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
- Data-informed communication planning and execution
- Collaborative leadership across matrixed organizations
- Commitment to equity-focused, audience-centered storytelling
Accomplishments
- Best News Anchor- National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
- Best Breaking News Report- National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
- Top 10 Military Journalist-Military Veterans in Journalism
Timeline
Anchor / Managing Editor
TEGNA
05.2022 - 12.2024
Anchor / Reporter
Nexstar Media Group
07.2019 - 05.2022
Anchor / Reporter
CBS Television Stations
07.2017 - 07.2019
Anchor / Reporter
Cox Media Group
03.2014 - 05.2017
Aerographer's Mate Third Class (E-4)
United States Navy
02.2003 - 09.2006
Bachelor of Arts -
Lamar University