Experience

Montana Free Press

• United States
• Online Audio and Video Media
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founder, Editor in Chief

  • Oct 2015 - Present

  Helena, MT The Montana Free Press (MTFP) is an independent, nonprofit news agency that provides in-depth Montana news and analysis. Founded by veteran investigative and political reporter John S. Adams, and supported by individuals and organizations who value credible, independent reporting in the age of “fake news,” MTFP strives to shine a light on vital issues across the Big Sky state. We regularly publish stories on our website, www.montanafreepress.org, and in media outlets statewide.

• Founder, Editor

  • Feb 2016 - Present

  Helena, MT



Self-employed

• Freelance Writer

  • 2003 - Present

  Adams Communications Independent research and writing, technical writing, ghostwriting, feature writing, copy writing and media consulting. Extensive knowledge of government, environment, and energy issues. Experience covering the legal system, politics, agriculture, and the Rocky Mountain lifestyle including hunting, skiing and other recreational pursuits. Ability to work on assignment and possess the tools and the skills to produce a complete package, including text, photographs, video, and website design… Show more Independent research and writing, technical writing, ghostwriting, feature writing, copy writing and media consulting. Extensive knowledge of government, environment, and energy issues. Experience covering the legal system, politics, agriculture, and the Rocky Mountain lifestyle including hunting, skiing and other recreational pursuits. Ability to work on assignment and possess the tools and the skills to produce a complete package, including text, photographs, video, and website design. Possess a vast network of contacts and partners throughout Montana and the West. Show less



Clean Wisconsin

• United States
• Environmental Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Communications

  • Aug 2016 - Aug 2017

  Madison, Wisconsin Area As Director of Communications, Adams was responsible for Clean Wisconsin’s media, public relations, social media, and marketing needs. A Door County native, Adams spent 12 years working as an award-winning investigative and government reporter in Montana before returning to his home state to lead Clean Wisconsin’s communications office. Adams combined his understanding of complex science and policy issues with his broad experience in journalism, communications, and digital and… Show more As Director of Communications, Adams was responsible for Clean Wisconsin’s media, public relations, social media, and marketing needs. A Door County native, Adams spent 12 years working as an award-winning investigative and government reporter in Montana before returning to his home state to lead Clean Wisconsin’s communications office. Adams combined his understanding of complex science and policy issues with his broad experience in journalism, communications, and digital and traditional media to expand public awareness of Clean Wisconsin’s mission to protect and preserve Wisconsin’s clean water, air, and natural heritage. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Adams work has appeared in dozens of local, state, and regional publications. Show less



USA TODAY

• United States
• Newspaper Publishing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Correspondent

  • Jan 2010 - Mar 2015



Great Falls Tribune

• Newspaper Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Capital Bureau Chief

  • Nov 2007 - Mar 2015

  Helena, MT Report and write from the state capital about major issues affecting people, places and landscapes in Montana, with a focus on government and politics. Specialize in in-depth watchdog journalism, comprehensive policy analysis, open government advocacy and computer-aided research.



Missoula Independent

• Staff Writer

  • Apr 2005 - Nov 2007

  Research and report stories for Montana's largest weekly newspaper. Have investigated and reported stories of statewide and national import. Utilize conventional and online resources to cover a diverse beat that includes environment, politics, state and federal government and courts. Special areas of focus include forest planning, national park planning, local and state government, human rights, science, health care, education, business, natural resources and conservation.



Daily Jefferson County Union

• Staff Writer

  • Feb 2002 - Nov 2004

  Daily duties included researching, writing and reporting on issues of importance to a southeastern Wisconsin community. Experience covering government. Covered local police, fire, county court and hospital beats and state and local politics. Contributed news stories and photos to the state and national AP news wires.



SkatePark Magazine

• Editor

  • 2001 - 2002



Harris Publishing Idaho Falls

• Assistant Editor

  • 2000 - 2002

  Developed story ideas and editorial calendars and helped manage a stable of freelance writers. Wrote cover stories and feature articles for five magazines. Assigned stories, developed themes and oversaw magazine production.



D.J.'s on the Bay

• Bartender

  • 2000 - 2002



90 FM WWSP

• Music Director

  • Jan 2001 - May 2001

  Coordinated on-air music programming for college radio station. Worked with program director to develop on-air programming. Worked with national promotional agencies to cultivate a broad range of music. Reviewed albums for on-air play suitability. Hosted a live on-air morning radio show. Read public announcements, news, weather and played music. Interviewed local and touring bands and musicians for promotional materials and on-air interviews. Learned the basics of radio broadcasting.