Jon Whiting

Jon Whiting is an Emmy Award winning television producer and Professor of Practice in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University, charged primarily as an instructor for audio production courses. He serves as the faculty advisor for MSU Telecasters, a student organization that strives to educate, connect, and provide hands-on training for developing student filmmakers by creating diverse, high quality digital content. Jon also currently serves on the Board of Directors for The State News, is the production lead for the Spartan Marching Band and serves on multiple industry advisory boards including the Les Paul Audio Educators Advisory Group.

Jon’s previous experience on campus consists of work with the College of Music, National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, WDBM-FM, and MSU Extension. He also has worked on video series and specials for WKAR-TV and served as the faculty advisor for the Media Sandbox Street Teams. He has been a member of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation Board of Directors, Mott Community College Music Recording Advisory Committee, and Clinton County RESA Digital Media Arts Advisory Committee.

Professionally, Jon has worked regularly with non-profit organizations in Michigan, implementing media production efforts ranging from still graphics to audio and video productions. He has worked on multiple documentary and short films in capacities of producer, editor, videographer, and audio production.

Jon regularly presents at media conferences and workshops, including the 2026 Broadcast Education Association's Spring Conference, the annual Michigan Interscholastic Press Association’s Fall Conference, and the 168th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America. Jon’s specialty focus is the optimization of quality and price ratios in media production.

COURSES

CAS112: Story, Sound and Motion

– Explore the central role of storytelling, sound and editing in media communication. Gain experience in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Audition, Adobe Premiere and Fadeln Screenwriting Software.

DS243: Audio Storytelling

– Basic audio production techniques. In-depth audio and radio industry analysis. Media writing.

DS343: Podcasting

– Advanced audio production specializing in podcast techniques. Industry focus on advanced audio storytelling and distribution.

DS344: Sound Design For Storytelling

– Principles, technology, and techniques of sound design for media projects, including film, games, television, animation, and web.

DS443: Advanced Audio Design

– Advanced audio production specializing in multi-channel techniques. Industry focus on all aspects of the audio field.

Faculty Advisor | MSU Telecasters

MSU Telecasters has served as a student organization that fosters a collaborative environment for creatives within the MSU community since 1982. They educate, connect, and provide hands-on training for developing student filmmakers by creating diverse, high quality digital content through six different shows under their umbrella, including The ShoW, Sideshow, Beaumont Bulletin, Turn, The Pop! and Niche. msutelecasters.com

Production Lead | Spartan Marching Band Media Production Team

The 300-member Spartan Marching Band is one of the most recognized student organizations in the MSU community. The Spartan Marching Band of Michigan State University has a robust social media presence with professional and student contributors. Whiting leads the band's media production team, records video and audio of gameday performances, and creates graphics and promotional materials. spartanmarchingband.com

Treasurer | The State News Board Of Directors

The State News board is legally and financially responsible for State News, Inc., a Michigan 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation directed by twelve (12) elected board members. The State News Media Group is the parent organization of The State News, statenews.com, getSNworks.com, Grand & Division Agency and our commercial real estate operations. www.statenews.com

Jon believes in continuing to push the artform – whichever one it happens to be at the time for the project – translates his experience on continuing media projects to the classroom – and engages students to work on many projects, as well.

Jon acts as executive producer for nine podcasts that are primarily student produced with contributions from four different courses and additional components from independent studies and honors options. These podcasts are focused on storytelling ranging from fiction, non-fiction, sound design, artistic experimental, and conversational. Podcast links available here via LinkTree

In addition to Jon's work with the Spartan Marching Band, he has invited students in our college to join for the day to be a part of the production team running audio and video recording for the performances. To date, 50+ students have joined for hands-on experience recording the band – not just a job shadow experience, but being a contributing member of the team.