"After more than thirty years in cross-platform media around the world with the BBC and NPR Stations, I am passionate about helping people fulfill their full potential when launching a podcast or video channel, or appearing in public forums. I also help talented individuals and business leaders acquire the skills they need to survive and flourish in the digital communications industry."
MARK MCDONALD, CHIEF COACH AND CEO
Areas of expertise: news coverage of global politics, U.S. Presidential elections, battlefield conflict, diplomacy, the United Nations and its agencies, as well as natural and human tragedies. Extensive experience in news staff development, training and mentoring, legal and contractual negotiations, internal and external communications, crisis management, and innovative programming. McDonald is a media and public affairs executive and coach with more than 30 years of experience developing, operating and supervising innovative cross-platform global news and public affairs content. McDonald has produced innovative high-quality content that seizes the opportunities of the digital age, both in reaching wider, more diverse audiences and in tapping the new marketing and funding opportunities it provides.
Born in Liverpool, UK, Mark spent 14 years with the BBC in London and around the world as an international news producer and manager for both radio and television.
Throughout his career Mark has played a leading role in talent development, training and mentoring hundreds of employees, interns and students, and creating and expanding collaborative media work. He is a pioneer in merging traditional and digital media newsrooms and communications departments.
A recipient of the Edward R. Murrow and DuPont Columbia awards for Investigative Broadcast Journalism, Mark led the expansion of the news operation within the BBC’s New York bureau, creating three groundbreaking programs for both digital distribution and the BBC’s World TV News Channel. He then expanded the WNYC local news team (New York Public Radio) before moving to Washington DC, where WAMU (NPR affiliate) rose under his tenure from 14th in the Washington Metro Ratings, to First. (*Neilson ratings 2014.)
Since 2001 he's continued to serve as an Adjunct Professor of Journalism at both Georgetown University and American University, with classes on Professional Podcasting, Professional Video Production, International Newsgathering, Multi-Media Management, Reporting, Writing for Communication, and Advanced Live TV News Production.