Hi, I’m Jake!

I’m a local newsroom leader in Chicago with 10+ years of experience telling LGBTQ+ stories.

I manage digital and editorial strategy at Windy City Times while providing in-depth reporting of our local LGBTQ+ communities.

I’m also a journalism educator, community-builder and queer media nerd.

View My Work
Jake Wittich smiling, wearing a green camouflage-patterned jacket with a black shirt underneath, standing with arms crossed in front of a blue and white wall with posters and a cartoonish depiction of clouds and paper airplanes.

My Work

  • Reporting & Writing

  • Newsletters & Audience

  • Editorial & Digital Strategy

  • Podcasts & Radio

  • Teaching & Training

  • Speaking & Moderating

View my work
Jake Wittich smiling and holding a microphone, engaging with a woman seated at a table in a bookstore or library. Behind him, two other people are seated, and there are bookshelves filled with colorful books in the background.

Chicago Journalist of the Year

Chicago Journalists Association, 2025

I was recognized by the Chicago Journalists Association for revitalizing Windy City Times via digital transformation, audience growth and in-depth LGBTQ+ coverage.

Watch my acceptance speech
Tracy Baim, Jakes Wittich and Jim Williams standing together at a Chicago Journalism Awards event, with the Chicago Journalists Association logo on a black backdrop behind them.

Let’s work together.

I’m available for freelance projects, collaborations and other oportunities across journalism, digital communications, podcasts and radio, and journalism education.