A native of Independence, Missouri, Joe McLean began his work in journalism by contributing to ABC 17 News (KMIZ) in Columbia, Missouri. There, he worked his way through multiple roles including production assistant, photographer, multimedia journalist, investigative reporter, anchor and bureau chief. Joe also anchored hourly radio news updates for 93.9 The Eagle FM and other properties of Zimmer Radio & Marketing Group.
In 2015, Joe earned a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri, emphasizing study in platform convergence and emerging media. He also earned a certificate of multicultural studies at Mizzou. In 2019, Joe was appointed as an adjunct faculty member at the prestigious Missouri School of Journalism, teaching applied projects for journalism and strategic communication. He has also been a member of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).
In 2020, Joe joined WJXT in Jacksonville, FL, covering education and breaking news. He was a frequent contributor to News4Jax's I-team and Trust Index coverage. Additionally, Joe was a frequent guest on WJCT News' First Coast Connect Friday Media Round Table, offering analysis and commentary on the week's top stories.
After three years in Duval County, Joe was appointed the first chief of Gray Media's newly formed Missouri Capitol News Bureau in Jefferson City. In that role, Joe established the satellite news office which provided daily coverage of the state government to the company's five Missouri-based stations. The position reached St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Cape Girardeau and Hannibal; a combined 3.2 million households, according to Nielsen.
Joe has a great passion for journalism and fact-driven storytelling. His investigative and breaking news reporting yielded multiple accolades from the Missouri Broadcasters Association, the Kansas City Press Club and the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists. Joe has been nominated for a regional Emmy award and his work was featured in the 2023 Academy Award-nominated Documentary Short Film, "The ABCs of Book Banning."
Above all, Joe advocates for media literacy and critical thinking education. He believes that providing the tools to better understand our world will offer individuals the chance to protect, empower, and advocate for themselves.