Joe Donnohue: A Leading Voice in Football Journalism and Broadcasting
Joe Donnohue has firmly established himself as a prominent journalist, broadcaster, and podcast producer in the competitive world of football reporting. Known especially for his insightful coverage of Leeds United, Joe has combined a passion for the sport with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and storytelling. Since 2020, Joe has been a vital figure in the Leeds football community, reporting for some of the UK’s most trusted media outlets and creating content that resonates with fans locally and beyond. This article delves deep into his career journey, his educational background, and the varied roles he has undertaken with organisations such as National World Corporate, SCOUTED, Reach plc, DAZN, and talkSPORT.
Early Life and Education
Joe Donnohue’s formative years were marked by a strong academic foundation and early exposure to media and sports. He attended Emmanuel College in Gateshead, where he completed his GCSEs and A-Levels with a focus on History, Geography, and Economics. During his time there, Joe demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as Senior Sixth Form Prefect from 2014 to 2016, a role that reflected his organisational skills and maturity.
Furthering his commitment to journalism, Joe pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism at the University of Leeds. Graduating with a commendable 2:1, he was not just a student of theory but also an active practitioner. Joe served as Head of Sport at Leeds Student Radio, where he honed his skills in live outside broadcasts, commentary, production, and hosting two weekly sports shows. This hands-on experience laid the groundwork for his future career, blending journalistic principles with a flair for engaging sports commentary.
National World Corporate and Leeds United Digital Journalism
Joe’s career took a significant leap forward when he joined National World plc as the Leeds United Digital Journalist in April 2022. This role placed him at the heart of digital sports journalism, where he covers Leeds United extensively, providing timely news, in-depth analysis, and engaging multimedia content for a wide audience.
His responsibilities go beyond traditional reporting. Joe hosts and produces the Inside Elland Road podcast, a weekly series that has earned acclaim and recognition, notably being awarded Podcast of the Year at National World’s annual awards. The podcast serves as a vibrant platform where fans and experts dissect everything related to Leeds United, from match reviews to player insights and club developments.
At National World, Joe’s role is not limited to reporting; he embraces the digital era’s demands by integrating audio and written content, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of his work. His ability to adapt and innovate in content delivery has set him apart in a competitive media landscape.
SCOUTED: Elevating Youth Football Coverage
Parallel to his duties at National World, Joe has been a longstanding figure with SCOUTED, a digital platform dedicated to youth football and recruitment. Since 2016, he has contributed as a journalist and social media manager, managing content for a direct audience exceeding 125,000 Twitter followers and a broader indirect audience.
In August 2019, Joe took on the role of podcast host, producer, and editor for SCOUTED’s flagship podcast focusing on Under-23 football. This podcast is unique in that it gathers multinational contributors who provide expert opinions and analysis on emerging football talents. Joe’s work with SCOUTED reflects his dedication to highlighting the next generation of footballers, a niche yet growing segment of sports journalism.
His ability to engage diverse contributors and manage a multifaceted digital presence underscores his skills as a modern multimedia journalist, capable of influencing and informing football enthusiasts worldwide.
Reach plc and Expanding Journalistic Horizons
Before his current engagements, Joe gained valuable experience at Reach plc, a leading multimedia company. Starting in March 2020 as a freelance Digital Sports Wire Journalist, Joe quickly demonstrated his knack for original football writing, with bylines appearing in numerous national and regional publications, including the Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News, Chronicle Live, Daily Star, Leeds Live, and Football.London.
In November 2020, he secured a full-time position as Leeds United Reporter at Reach plc. Here, he sharpened his focus on Leeds United, delivering breaking news, match reports, and exclusive interviews. This role enhanced Joe’s reputation as a reliable and informed voice in football journalism, earning him respect from peers and fans alike.
His tenure at Reach also gave him experience in navigating the evolving challenges of sports journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital content consumption soared and rapid, accurate reporting became critical.
DAZN: Behind-the-Scenes Production Experience
Joe’s versatility extends beyond writing and hosting; he has also contributed in production roles at DAZN Group, a global sports streaming service. From March 2019 to November 2020, he worked as a freelance highlights editor and production assistant.
This behind-the-scenes experience involved curating and editing sports highlights, an essential function in today’s fast-paced digital sports world. Joe’s exposure to video production and editing deepened his understanding of multimedia storytelling and the technical demands of content delivery, enhancing his capacity to produce engaging digital content across platforms.
talkSPORT Internship and Early Radio Experience
Joe’s journey in broadcasting began with a summer internship at talkSPORT in August 2019, where he worked on the long-running Hawksbee and Jacobs afternoon show. His responsibilities as an assistant producer included booking guests, sourcing stories, creating audio packages, and cueing presenters.
This formative experience provided Joe with valuable insights into live radio production and audience engagement. The skills he developed at talkSPORT have since informed his approach to podcasting and broadcasting, where preparation and dynamic content presentation are key.
Commitment to Student Media and Leadership
Even before his professional career, Joe’s dedication to journalism and sport was evident. At Leeds Student Radio, he not only headed the sport department but also presented on the weekly breakfast show. His involvement encompassed producing, managing, and coordinating live sports broadcasts and events.
Such early leadership roles laid a strong foundation for his subsequent career, teaching him the importance of teamwork, time management, and content curation. Joe’s student media experience illustrates how practical application of journalistic skills can accelerate professional growth.
Knickerbockerglory TV and Multimedia Research
During his university studies, Joe undertook a work placement at Knickerbockerglory TV in London, gaining experience as a junior casting researcher and runner. Over two months, he contributed to casting for documentary series, coordinated production tasks on the set of The Great Model Railway Challenge, and participated in development meetings.
This multifaceted role expanded Joe’s understanding of television production, research methods, and the creative processes behind successful media projects. His time at Knickerbockerglory TV highlights his willingness to explore diverse media roles, enhancing his adaptability in the industry.
Summary: Joe Donnohue’s Impact on Football Journalism
Joe Donnohue represents the modern sports journalist: versatile, multimedia-savvy, and deeply knowledgeable about his subject. His dedicated coverage of Leeds United and youth football has earned him recognition as a trusted voice among fans and professionals.
From his academic foundations at Emmanuel College Gateshead and the University of Leeds, through his roles at National World Corporate, SCOUTED, Reach plc, DAZN, and talkSPORT, Joe’s career trajectory showcases a blend of traditional journalistic values and modern digital innovation.
His work across platforms—print, digital, podcasting, and video—exemplifies a holistic approach to sports media, positioning him as a valuable asset to the UK’s football journalism community and an influencer shaping the way football stories are told in the digital age.
