GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Josh joined 13 ON YOUR SIDE in December of 2022 as a multi-skilled journalist after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism from Grand Valley State University.
Josh came aboard with ample experience covering current events, including as the state and national political correspondent and later as the news editor of his campus paper, the Grand Valley Lanthorn.
While in college, he also spent several months in Washington, D.C., interning as a reporter on Capitol Hill for the Washington Blade. While there, he served as the Blade’s on-the-ground reporter for events including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in June of 2022 to rescind the nationwide right to abortion access.
After a year with 13 ON YOUR SIDE, Josh assumed the role of being the team's designated political reporter in late 2023.
Since joining 13 ON YOUR SIDE, Josh has been at the forefront of breaking news and stories that have defined the political landscape of West Michigan and the state at large. Such have included coverage of charges against 16 'fake electors' from the 2020 election, the movement of firearms reform legislation in the wake of the mass shooting at Michigan State University in February 2023 and events in Ottawa County government that garnered national attention under new Board of Commissioners leadership.
He also anchors "The Rundown" on Sunday mornings and on 13 ON YOUR SIDE's streaming services, connecting Michiganders with a one-stop shop for everything they need to know about the past week in Michigan politics.
Through his experiences in the realm of general assignment and political reporting, he has never lost sight of his passion for covering government affairs and what he sees as the key role that fair, ethical journalism plays in America’s system of democratic governance. He carries a constant reverence for this role and will stop at nothing to uncover the truth and serve the people.
When he’s not in the newsroom or hot on the campaign trail, you can often find him keeping himself busy by reading, hiking any number of Michigan’s natural wonders and being an excessively doting cat dad.
As he continues with 13 ON YOUR SIDE, Josh is incredibly excited and grateful to report on and serve the West Michigan region he has called home his entire life.
Have a story idea? Connect with Josh on Facebook or Twitter or reach out via email at jalburtus@13OnYourSide.com.
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