About

A strong comms team can help you build safer, healthier & more prosperous communities.

Most communications agencies working in criminal justice reform and nonprofit advocacy are staffed by talented people with big hearts and impressive credentials. What they rarely have is proximity—the kind of knowledge that doesn’t come from a white paper or a fellowship or a conference panel, but from having lived inside the systems they’re trying to change.

That’s what HEY JOE MEDIA is built on.

Founded in Tucson in 2022 by award-winning former journalist and communications strategist Joe Watson, HEY JOE MEDIA exists to give nonprofit advocacy organizations the communications partner they’ve been looking for—one who understands not just the mechanics of media outreach, messaging strategy, content creation and web development, but the human reality underneath the policy language.

At HEY JOE MEDIA, we do it all.

We’ve built websites, launched earned media campaigns, crafted narrative frameworks, produced video content, and managed social media for organizations working on criminal justice reform, reentry, violence interruption, community health, and more—nationwide. We’ve done it with urgency, with craft, and with a level of commitment to the mission that you won’t find at agencies that don’t share it.

If you’re ready to tell your story the right way, we’re ready to help you tell it.

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Tell HEY JOE MEDIA about your latest project or campaign!

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OUR PEOPLE

Joe Watson

Founder & Chief Strategist

Dan Goers

Chief Web Developer

Jessie Broom

Chief Graphic Designer

Alex Blackmon

Social Media Manager

Ana Trujillo

Partner Relations Manager

Julian Gonzalez

Associate Strategist

We are proud to work for these ORGANIZATIONS & many others

HEY JOE MEDIA's Mission

HEY JOE MEDIA creates compelling content and produces effective communications tools for organizations with shared values. As a Fair Chance strategic communications agency led by a formerly incarcerated person, we are committed to elevating voices with lived experience in the criminal justice system to achieve transformative, lasting change.

HEY JOE MEDIA's Vision

In strategic partnership with HEY JOE MEDIA, our clients will communicate effectively with news outlets, funders and followers—all of which are essential to building safer, healthier and more prosperous communities. We strive to craft narrative frameworks that inspire progress and shape a more inclusive future.

HEY JOE MEDIA's Core Values

Storytelling with Heart

All HEY JOE MEDIA content centers human dignity. We use people-first language that respects the complexity of people’s lives and experiences.

Voices that Matter Most

Our content prioritizes the experiences of those directly impacted by harm, trauma and injustice. These stories shape the narratives that resonate most powerfully with all audiences.

Honest Conversations

We foster open, respectful dialogue and critique our opponents’ positions without dehumanizing them. We reject narratives that only divide us or exacerbate harm to already-vulnerable communities.

Fair Chance Commitment

As a Fair Chance agency, we actively seek to employ and collaborate with creatives who have conviction histories. We believe in creating opportunities that uplift and empower.

Real Accountability, Real Change

We believe in holding people and institutions accountable—and that includes our agency and every one of our clients and partners. We advocate for transparency that encourages growth and understanding.

Bold Ideas, Lasting Impact

We support journalism that prioritizes the issues that matter most to our clients and the communities they serve. We do this by crafting compelling narratives, amplifying authentic voices, and pushing creative boundaries to inspire action and impact.

What clients say about our work

Caroline Isaacs

Just Communities Arizona

HEY JOE MEDIA was instrumental in helping JCA launch the Reimagining Community Safety report. Their thoughtful editing, compelling design, and earned media efforts helped us amplify our message, reach new audiences, and spark critical conversations about the future of public safety in Tucson.

Lance Kramer

Meridian Hill Pictures

HEY JOE MEDIA was excellent to work with. They synthesized our project needs, worked with us closely to develop a strong creative concept and strategy, maintained excellent communication throughout the process, and delivered everything on time and on budget.

Tynice Hall

FedFam4Life

I’m deeply impressed by the work HEY JOE MEDIA did refashioning our web page. They used the personal experiences of their team to offer genuine, impactful assistance. HEY JOE MEDIA understands the needs of the community we target because they’ve been there.

Sarah Liguori

Arizona State Representative

I enjoyed every aspect of working with HEY JOE MEDIA. From our initial conversation, I could see the passion and expertise in communication skills and knew that I was in good hands. HEY JOE MEDIA executed everything flawlessly, from my website creation to social media content and news releases.

Dan South

Law Office of Dan South

Our Law Office hired HEY JOE MEDIA to build a website for our fast-paced firm. We expected a high-quality website, but when we saw the finished product, we were amazed. HEY JOE MEDIA went above and beyond. The level of commitment to our Office made a huge difference!

Marilyn Rodriguez

Creosote Partners

“HEY JOE MEDIA and I have worked together on several media campaigns. They got us articles placed in Teen Vogue, The Marshall Project, Rolling Stone… the list goes on.”