FIMS Giving Profile - Jeff McArthur

FIMS Alumni Newsletter October 2025

Headshot of Jeff McArthur

Though his university education began in political science and government at McMaster University, by the time Jeff McArthur arrived in Western’s Master of Arts in Journalism program in 1992, he was imagining a career in news and journalism, planted firmly in the public eye.

“My current role as host of "The Morning Show" is exactly what I imagined back during my Western days. In fact, some of my first on camera moments were doing newscasts at the journalism program,” he said.

McArthur has co-anchored Global News’ morning news and lifestyle show since 2015. The long-running show was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award in the best host lifestyle category in 2025.

McArthur remembers his time in the journalism program as an opportunity to form the kinds of friendships that are fostered by working together with a tight-knit group of classmates, day after day in the same space and with common goals. The intensive experience created long-lasting friendships but also prepared him to contribute as a professional.

“Everything from pitching ideas to editing and presenting stories. It was a total team effort that prepared me for working inside an actual newsroom,” he recalled.

Now, with a professional career with Corus Entertainment in radio and television spanning over 30 years, McArthur still recognizes how critical his start in journalism school was. It’s the reason he decided to become an annual donor to the FIMS Journalism Fund, hoping to help provide the same kinds of opportunities for the next generation of aspiring journalists and broadcasters.

“I decided to donate to FIMS as I look back at my time at Western as not only enjoyable but also foundational. It gave me the tools and skills that I still rely on to this day to tell stories and host a national broadcast.”

Acknowledging that the world is changing quickly and profoundly, McArthur wants his donation to contribute to providing journalism students with an education that will allow them to meet the challenges ahead and ensure that journalism continues to play a vital role in a world “where truth matters more than ever.”

Though some have characterized journalism as facing an existential threat, at FIMS we believe that well-trained journalists and professional journalism jobs will remain important moving forward. The industry is changing, but the skills taught in journalism schools, such as evidence-based storytelling, sourcing and assessing information, and professional accountability are now more important than ever, as is the role that journalism plays in protecting a healthy democracy. Donations to the Journalism Fund go to initiatives such as providing stipends to students for unpaid journalism internships, purchasing new equipment and other program needs.

“For anyone considering a gift I would say it is one of the most rewarding things you can do,” said McArthur. “It means so much to know you are helping - even in a small way - to foster the next generation in a profession we value and hold so dear.”