THE TEAM
Nick Janes, President
Nick Janes is an Emmy-winning former Sacramento news reporter and anchor with more than a decade of experience in media and communications.
Nick’s expertise as a storyteller and multimedia content developer drives his dynamic approach to outreach and education. He has leveraged his keen eye for crafting and executing education efforts to serve clients ranging from government agencies to Fortune 500 corporations. He has years of experience in front of and behind the camera, and maintains an extensive network of local, regional and national relationships in print and broadcast media. Nick is an FAA-licensed drone pilot.
Previously, Nick was the Director of Client Relations for a statewide strategic communications firm, where he directed Northern California operations. Before his time as a consultant, Nick spent eight years as a lead reporter and fill-in anchor at CBS13 & CW31, the CBS owned-and-operated duopoly in Sacramento.
His work has appeared on CNN, CBS This Morning and in local media markets across the country. He was recognized with an Emmy Award for Breaking News Coverage, and received multiple Emmy nominations for his in-depth reports on the harshest drought in California history. Nick began his news career at the ABC affiliate in Champaign, IL, where he also attended the University of Illinois.
THE TEAM
Christina Janes, Chief Operating Officer
Christina Janes is a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who leverages extensive major media market experience to drive engaging communications and outreach strategies.
Her expertise in front of the camera, as well as her comfort with creating compelling content under extreme deadline pressure, makes her a valuable asset for clients in myriad industries. She also maintains a nationwide and local network of media contacts – many of whom are former colleagues.
Previously, Christina was the main evening co-anchor at CBS13/CW31, the CBS owned-and-operated duopoly in Sacramento. She anchored the CBS13 News at 4, 5, 6, and 10 p.m. She began as the morning news anchor on Good Day Sacramento, the CW31 morning show.
She is strongly committed to giving back to her community, and been privileged to work with the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Arthritis Association, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, March of Dimes, and Soroptimist International of Sacramento, among others.
Christina began her decorated on-air career in 2006 in Medford, Oregon, where she soon became the main evening anchor. Christina was also the spokesperson for the Emmy Award-winning Southern Oregon Meth Project. The statewide awareness campaign educated government leaders, businesses, and more than 10,000 students about the dangers of the deadly drug.
She is a four-time Emmy Award Nominee, and is the recipient of the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation Service to America Award, numerous Oregon Association of Broadcasters Awards, and the Oregon Governor’s Media Award for Outstanding Service. Christina attended Arizona State University.
THE TEAM
Mike Lowry, Director of Cinematography
Mike Lowry is a 10-time Emmy Award-winning photojournalist and editor. He brings more than 35 years of videography and television journalism experience to J Comm, Inc.
For the past three decades, he worked as a news photographer at CBS13/CW31 in Sacramento, a CBS owned-and-operated duopoly. He has been repeatedly recognized locally and nationally for his outstanding camerawork and editing skills.
Mike was born and raised in California's San Joaquin Valley, where he grew up on a dairy and almond farm and learned the meaning of hard, honest work. From there, he attended Modesto Jr. College, received an internship with a local TV station and never looked back.
Since then, he has traveled the United States and the world covering the news, including the war and humanitarian effort in Croatia. He has sat with and interviewed Presidents, politicians, movie stars, gang members, drug dealers and sports superstars. His work has appeared on the CBS Evening News, CBS Sports, the CBS Morning Show, ABC News and ESPN. He has worked for the NFL, the NBA, professional baseball, and Lucas Oil Motor Sports, along with shooting Super Bowl 50, the NBA Finals, the World Series and so much more.
He brings his wealth of worldly experience and unmatched expertise to help clients tell cinematic, powerful stories that engage decision-makers and community members of all ages.
THE TEAM
Kris Pickel, Director of Content Development & Media Engagement
Kris Pickel is an award-winning anchor and journalist who brings more than 30 years of broadcast and media experience to J Comm.
Kris is a recognized leader in media, journalism, and storytelling. She is a ten-time Emmy winner, the recipient of two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards, and is a 2023 inductee into the Rocky Mountain Emmy Silver Circle for significant contributions to broadcasting and work in communities.
In her diverse career, Kris has worked as an anchor, reporter and investigative journalist in multiple top 20 television markets including Phoenix, Cleveland, and Sacramento in addition to working in Tucson, Reno, and Grand Junction. Her groundbreaking investigations have led to policy changes on local and national levels. Among her many career accomplishments, Kris’ investigations on breast implants helped lead to new safety warnings. Following her investigations, Kris was the only television reporter invited to take part in an FDA panel focused on improving communication.
With a positive approach and the ability to quickly identify valuable details and emerging trends, she is skilled in presenting information in a manner that makes it relevant to public agencies, businesses, the public and members of the press.
Kris has coached media professionals and individuals, organizations, and agencies for effective communication. She helps them represent themselves, a brand, or a company by teaching them how to discuss relevant topics in an engaging and professional manner. With her guidance, people are made to feel comfortable communicating on-camera and off-camera.
THE TEAM
Adam Zuehlke, Cinematographer
Adam Zuehlke is an award-winning filmmaker and published photographer, with over 14 years of industry experience. Adam's most recent clients for videography and editing include the NFL, Super Bowl 52, Cambria, Best Buy, IBM, US Bank, Johnsonville Brats, Jack Daniels and Delta Airlines.
Adam has also worked on TV shows airing on The History Channel, ABC, The Travel Channel, Food Network, and TLC. His film projects have been showcased in numerous festivals around the world, including the Cannes Film Festival.
His vast experience on over 15 films and TV shows gives Adam a unique and creative eye for commercial work. Adam's understanding of large budget productions with tight deadlines makes him an efficient videographer and editor as well.
THE TEAM
Mike Cervantes, Cinematographer
Mike Cervantes is an Emmy Award-winning photographer, editor and investigative journalist with over a decade of experience reporting and telling the stories of California and the Southwest.
As a journalist, Mike has covered fast-moving breaking news under tight deadlines as well as long-form investigative work that takes over a year to develop. In addition to collaborating with J Comm, Mike also contributes to the NBC Los Angeles investigative team that has helped consumers recover over $4.5 million and counting.
Beyond journalism, Mike enjoys helping small businesses communicate their stories and build relationships with customers. His years of broadcast experience have made him an expert at crafting concise and engaging visuals.
THE TEAM
Kenny Holmes, Cinematographer
Kenny Holmes is a producer and national award-winning news, sports and entertainment cinematographer based in Los Angeles.
Covering major events around the world including the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018, Super Bowls, Pope Francis' NYC visit, and A-list Hollywood award shows, his body of work has won major awards, including five Emmys, the Edward R. Murrow Award for videography, and a National Press Club Award.
Holmes produced, shot and edited the international hit film and New York Times critic's pick, Score: A Film Music Documentary, and is host and producer of the weekly show inspired by the documentary, Score: The Podcast. Holmes founded Holmes Productions, an LA-based firm.
THE TEAM
Joseph Huerta, Cinematographer
Joseph Huerta is a nationally recognized, award-winning photojournalist from the Pacific Northwest. With a deep passion for storytelling, Joseph uses his craft to help communicate powerful narratives to the world, shedding light on human experiences that resonate across cultures and boundaries.
In 2019, Joseph directed and produced a groundbreaking documentary titled Bob's Choice, which follows the final days of a man who opts for assisted suicide. The film sheds light on the deeply personal and emotional process of choosing end-of-life care, providing viewers with an intimate and thought-provoking look at a controversial topic. His work on the documentary earned him a DuPont Award, one of the highest honors in journalism, recognizing the exceptional quality and impact of his storytelling.
Joseph has been named a finalist for the Ernie Crisp Photographer of the Year award in 2019, 2020, and 2021, an honor that highlights his excellence and consistency in visual journalism. Beyond his work as a photographer, Joseph is also dedicated to teaching and sharing his expertise. He leads storytelling workshops for the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) in Norman, Oklahoma, helping to shape the next generation of visual storytellers.
Throughout his career, Joseph has earned numerous accolades for his ability to tell compelling stories through photography and film, using his work to amplify voices and share perspectives that might otherwise go unheard.
THE TEAM
Megan Smith, Art Director
Megan is an award-winning graphic designer and art director with over a decade of experience with major clients in the travel and tourism industry, publishing, technology, professional sports, healthcare and state agencies.
Her well-rounded background and ability to curate a cohesive look from pixels to paper makes her an asset to clients and colleagues alike.
Megan was born and raised in Sacramento but has traveled the globe seeking new inspiration from the world around her. She is passionate about making communities better, more beautiful places through meaningful relationships and polished design.
Megan enjoys building on this dedication with her position on her town’s Public Arts Committee and as a mentor with a Sacramento organization focused on lifting up the next generation of female leaders.
