Jon Stout is a mission-driven leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, social justice advocacy, independent media, and the arts.

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As co-founder of Free Speech TV, Jon helped build a pioneering national nonprofit media network amplifying frontline movements and underrepresented voices. Under his leadership, FSTV grew its reach and influence through groundbreaking programming like Democracy Now!, Rising Up with Justice, independent documentaries, and original coverage of major convenings including Netroots Nation, Bioneers, and No Kings. Building strategic alliances with leading movement partners has been key to Jon’s success and lasting impact.

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Past roles span leading-edge arts and advocacy organizations including Los Angeles Filmforum, UCLA Film and Television Archive, and Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center. Civic and political organizing work includes Working Families Party, Poor People’s Campaign, and a US Congressional office and campaign. 

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Jon has served on the nonprofit boards of Working Films and Boulder Community Access Television. Grant panels and nominating committees include the National Endowment for the Arts, USA Fellows, Independent Television Service, the American Film Institute, and National Black Programming Consortium (now Black Public Media). He has presented at international conferences and film festivals.

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Jon’s service has been recognized with the Professional Freedom and Responsibility Award for unwavering commitment to democratic values in media, and a Rockefeller Foundation Next Generation Leadership Fellowship for advancing bold leadership for 21st Century challenges.