"Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together." - Joseph Pulitzer
Joe McLean is a journalist, writer & producer based in Jefferson City, Missouri. Since May 22, 2023, McLean has served as the Missouri State Capitol Bureau Chief for Gray TV. This website provides a link to Joe's résumé, samples of his writing, and contact information.
Joe's work has been nominated for a regional Emmy award and was featured in the 2023 Academy Award-nominated Documentary Short Film 'The ABC's of Book Banning.'
An accomplished journalist with more than a decade of experience, Joe is committed to (1) holding the powerful accountable, (2) providing a forum for all people to openly exchange ideas and (3) safeguarding truth and reason in an age when both are under attack.
Notable Interviews
Miguel Cardona, 12th U.S. Secretary of Education
Julie Su, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor
Gov. Mike Parson, R-Missouri
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida
Andrew Spar, President, Florida Education Association
U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Florida
Stacey Abrams, Democratic activist, former gubernatorial candidate
U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Florida
U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, R-Missouri
David Hogg, gun reform activist
U.S. Rep. Emanual Cleaver, D-Missouri
U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Missouri
SUpport Local Journalism
The work by local newsrooms to keep citizens well-informed is vital to a peaceful and prosperous society. Joe encourages supporting news outlets with journalistically sound, transparent methods/practices. He is a frequent guest and occasional fill-in host of First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross on WJCT 89.9 FM.
The program on November 23, 2022 is an example.
Learn how to support your local NPR station through contributions here.
Emails:
From "Occam," viewer/reader -- March 23, 2024:
"Your most recent piece on the state of Missouri is hands down the best article I've read(locally or otherwise) in regards to the current political climate in our state and/or nation. You didn't slam any one party or person... you addressed the key issue without making it a "he said/she said" argument, which I feel is currently lacking in our political realm. Thank you for being what appears to be an honest news person in a time we the people need you(the news person) more than ever. I don't know you, nor could I name another article you've written, but I do hope you continue to do your job. I'm sure you angered someone with what you wrote... but you also inspired at least one person to read the news again tomorrow. Thank you for that."
From Arrielle Hawkins, Local News Live Executive Producer of Breaking News & Special Projects -- April 8, 2024:
"Wanted to thank you again for your incredible eclipse coverage today! You mixed it up with every hit. Your live shots were engaging, fast-paced, and looked fabulous. And the fact that you were MMJing makes it even more impressive. Today’s talkbacks really helped set LNL apart from its competitors. I look forward to working with you again in the future!"
From Ray McCarty, President/CEO, Associated Industries of Missouri -- April 19, 2024:
"Thanks for your great journalism. We appreciate both sides of the story being reported so your viewers/readers may make their own decisions."
REQUEST a classroom visit
Joe volunteers with the Newsroom to Classroom program, part of the News Literacy Project.
The program allows students to learn from real-world, working journalists and gain a better understanding of journalism's role in a democratic society.
[>> REQUEST VISIT HERE <<]
The 2022 Florida Bar Reporters’ Workshop
Each year, the Florida Bar's Substantive Law Committee on Media & Communications Law hosts a two-day, on-site workshop for a select group of print, TV, radio & online journalists.
Joe was nominated and selected as one of 24 journalists across the state of Florida to attend the 31st annual event on Sept. 19-20, 2022.
