Jon Schoenheider

Jon is the weekend anchor for Heart of Illinois ABC News Saturday and Sunday, in addition to a weekday MMJ.

Originally from the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, Jon’s love for journalism began with turning on the news after coming home from school. From a young age, Jon knew that he wanted to become a storyteller. An early fascination with broadcasting, film, and television helped kickstart what would become a lifelong passion.

Jon attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette for high school, graduating in 2015. There, he was involved with the school paper as a media and entertainment writer, as well as the school yearbook. He then attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan where he received his Bachelor in Communications degree with a broadcasting focus, along with a minor in Business. Jon brought broadcasting back to the forefront of the Communications department through the creation of the school’s first Broadcasting Club, which would later spur the return of full-credit classes on the subject. With its campus web show ‘The Dutch Angle,’ the club gave students the chance to interact in every aspect of what goes into making a show, both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

While at Hope, Jon also worked as an intern at WGN television in Chicago. There, he worked as a producer on a new show hosted by morning anchor Larry Potash. Titled “Backstory,’ each episode focused on the fascinating history of Chicago and other cities.

After graduating from Hope in 2019, Jon’s professional career in broadcasting began by moving to his father’s hometown of Peoria. His first position was at WEEK, producing the 10:00 PM newscasts for Heart of Illinois ABC. He soon moved to a full-time position producing the station’s morning show, Good Morning Illinois.

In January 2022, Jon went dayside to begin his reporting career, prepared with his experience behind the scenes and in the studio. On the weekends, he took over the anchor desk for Heart of Illinois ABC News in the evening, both anchoring and producing those shows. Beginning September 17, Jon will take on the role of weekend anchor on 25News.

Got a story idea? Reach out to Jon via phone or email:

(847) 767-6727

jon.schoenheider@gray.tv