James A. Brown

James has spent more than 15 years asking difficult questions, explaining complicated events and preparing leaders to speak when stakes are high.

He began in television news, then spent years reporting and producing stories about politics, education, public policy and people affected by them. His work has appeared through NPR, PBS, BBC, WNYC, WXXI and USA TODAY.

At USA TODAY, he helped lead a national daily news podcast that reached about 2 million downloads a month. He later moved into political speechwriting and communications strategy, developing speeches, press statements, briefing materials and talking points while supporting press conferences, media relations and public affairs.

Through The Modern Fire, James has provided media training, narrative development, internal and external messaging, press support and reactive crisis messaging for businesses and nonprofit organizations. He has also created and produced nationally distributed audio programs.

Why these experiences belong together

James knows what reporters listen for because he has asked questions. He knows what leaders face because he has written with them and helped them prepare. He understands that employees, voters, customers and the public hear the same words differently.

Our approach is direct. We ask questions others will ask, identify answers that won’t hold up and help clients communicate what they know, acknowledge what they don’t and explain what happens next.