Jon Schwantes

Jon Schwantes has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of media and communications. Jon started their career as a reporter for The Republic, covering local events and profiling newsmakers. Jon then worked as a staff writer, statehouse bureau chief, and city editor for The Indianapolis News, where they broke major stories and managed the newspaper's coverage of politics, government, and public policy.

At National Journal, Jon served as a correspondent covering Indiana government and politics. Jon later worked as a correspondent for Newsweek, covering Indiana news and reporting to the magazine's Chicago bureau chief.

Jon joined The Indianapolis Star as a city editor, overseeing the news-gathering operations and directing various community-service reporting projects. Jon also served as the public affairs editor, expanding the newspaper's coverage through content alliances and conducting audits of compliance with open-records laws.

During their tenure at Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK, Jon created and managed newsgathering and content-sharing partnerships between The Indianapolis Star, WTHR-TV, and WFYI Public Media, addressing the challenge of audience fragmentation in the media industry.

With OAV Strategy & Communication, Jon worked as a principal consultant, advising corporate, government, nonprofit, and higher education clients on media convergence, strategic planning and communication, and public policy, among other areas.

Jon also served on the Ohio Humanities Council as a board member, promoting history, civic engagement, and cultural awareness through grants and sponsorship of various projects.

Currently, Jon works as a public affairs television host and news analyst for WFYI Public Media, hosting "Indiana Lawmakers," a long-running public affairs program that is carried by PBS and NPR affiliates across the state. Jon determines weekly topics, writes scripted elements, and selects guests for roundtable discussions on the show.

Jon Schwantes attended Indiana University Bloomington where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Political Science.