Michael Melling is Principal & Founder of StratOak Ltd, and works directly with all StratOak clients.  He brings extensive and unique first-hand experience to StratOak’s clients having spent 20 years as an award-winning journalist and media executive running some of Canada’s leading newsrooms.

With a background that includes top executive positions at brands such as CTV News (National & Local), BNN Bloomberg, and CP24, Michael brings an unmatched combination of skills and experience to help his clients achieve their business objectives through mastering media and communications.  He is an expert in Media & Presentation Training, Content Creation & Strategy, and Strategic Communications.

Michael is more than just a top journalist and communicator. He spent more than a decade as an executive navigating tough business decisions and transformation in a challenging environment.  He pairs his extensive business leadership experience with an outstanding background in how audiences work, how stories are told, and how modern journalists and media organizations operate.

Michael has an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, an MA in International Journalism from Cardiff University, UK, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Queen’s University.

Previous experience:

• VP of News/Head of CTV News (National + Local)
• GM of CP24 & CTV News Toronto
• GM of BNN Bloomberg
• GM of TV & Radio, Southwestern Ontario
• Regional News Director, CTV Ontario
• News Director, CTV Kitchener
• Reporter/Videographer, Producer, Anchor, Assignment Editor
• Winner of multiple RTNDA Canada and International Edward R. Murrow Awards