Frustrated that your story isn’t being heard?
All too often, people and organizations feel overlooked or misunderstood.
We're a full-service Public Relations Firm that fixes this by helping you be heard, trusted, and recognized, without risking your reputation.
The Stakes
Feel overlooked or misunderstood
Your reputation suffers
Opportunities slip away
A Disciplined Path to Clear Communication
Step 01
Craft your story
Every organization has a story worth telling, but it needs to be clear and strategic. We help you refine your message so it connects with your audience and reflects who you truly are.
Step 02
Share it with confidence
Once your message is clear, we help you share it through the right channels, from media relations to community engagement, so your voice reaches the people who matter most.
Step 03
Become the trusted expert
Consistent, strategic communication builds credibility over time. We help position you as a trusted voice so your organization becomes the go-to expert in your industry.
Free
Press Release Guide
About Us
Many leaders and organizations are doing meaningful work, but when their message isn't clear, people stop listening. Important stories go unheard, and opportunities are missed.
We understand that challenge.
Clear Source Communications helps leaders clarify their message so they can be heard, trusted, and recognized as experts, without risking their reputation. We focus on clear messaging, aligned communication, and helping you show up as a credible, consistent voice.
Based in Great Falls, Montana and co-founded by Jason Laird and Shannon Newth, we bring real-world media experience and work directly with leadership to ensure communication builds trust over time.
What we do
- Strategic communications
- Media training
- Press release writing
- Crisis communication
- Media relations
- Community engagement
- Keynote speaking and workshops
Shannon Newth
Co-owner, Communications Strategist
14 years on Montana airwaves · Montana On-Air Broadcaster of the Year, 2020 & 2021
Read full bioHide full bio
Shannon Newth is a storyteller and media professional with a background in journalism, film, and strategic communications. She and her husband, Jason Laird, first met while working together at KRTV in Great Falls and today co-own Clear Source Communications, where they combine their decades of media experience to help organizations effectively share their stories.
Shannon spent 14 years with the Montana Television Network as an anchor, reporter, and producer. During her time in broadcast journalism, she built a reputation for thoughtful storytelling and strong community engagement, earning recognition including Montana On-Air Broadcaster of the Year in 2020 and 2021.
In 2022, Shannon transitioned into destination storytelling and media strategy as the Content Director and Film Liaison for Visit Great Falls. As part of tourism's storytelling strategy, she produced the Silver People's Choice Telly Award-winning documentary Feisty Women of Great Falls, which has screened at multiple film festivals and received additional recognition and awards. In her role, she leads content development and works extensively in both owned and earned media to showcase Great Falls.
In addition to her professional work, Shannon serves on several boards in the Great Falls area, frequently emcees community events, and continues to work in freelance film production. She is SAG-AFTRA eligible and has appeared as a reporter in several feature films.
With deep experience in journalism, storytelling, and media strategy, Shannon helps organizations shape compelling narratives and connect with their audiences.
Jason Laird
Co-owner, Communications Strategist
Decade-plus in broadcast TV and radio · Montana Broadcasters Association award recipient
Read full bioHide full bio
Jason Laird helps leaders and organizations clarify their message so they can be heard, trusted, and respected. He is a communications strategist and co-owner of Clear Source Communications in Great Falls, Montana, bringing more than a decade of experience in broadcast television and radio to the clients he advises.
Jason spent much of his career working in broadcast media as a television meteorologist and radio personality, experience he still draws on today while providing radio weather forecasts for stations across the country. Years inside newsrooms give him a practical understanding of how media works and what makes a message resonate with an audience.
His work in broadcasting has been recognized by the Montana Broadcasters Association, including a Radio Commercial of the Year award. Jason has also appeared in film and is SAG-AFTRA eligible, giving him a unique perspective on storytelling across multiple forms of media. That experience helps him guide clients through today's complex media environment with clarity and confidence.
Speaking Engagements
Delivering practical communications training, keynotes, and workshops across the country
Inquire about a speaking engagement →
Common questions
Quick answers about how Clear Source works and what to expect.
Where is Clear Source Communications located?
Clear Source Communications is based in Great Falls, Montana. We work with clients statewide and across the country.
What services do you offer?
Strategic communications, media training, press release writing, crisis communication, media relations, community engagement, and keynote speaking. Every engagement is led directly by an owner.
Who founded Clear Source Communications?
Shannon Newth and Jason Laird co-founded the firm. They met working together at KRTV in Great Falls and bring decades of broadcast journalism, media production, and strategic communications experience.
Do you work with clients outside Montana?
Yes. We deliver media training, keynotes, and workshops nationally. Past engagements include the National Rifle Association, SHOT Show, PRSA Montana, the Montana Cooperative Development Center, and the Montana Grain Growers Association.
What makes Clear Source different from a typical PR firm?
Both owners are former broadcast journalists with award-winning newsroom experience. Shannon was named Montana On-Air Broadcaster of the Year in 2020 and 2021. Jason is a Montana Broadcasters Association award recipient. Every engagement is owner-led, not handed off to junior staff.
How do I get started?
Book a consultation through the contact form below, or reach Shannon at (406) 231-6002 or Jason at (719) 663-2038. We typically respond within one business day.
What is the free Press Release Guide?
The guide is a practical starting point for anyone who needs to announce news clearly and credibly. It explains what editors look for, how to structure a release, what details to include, and how to avoid the common mistakes that keep good stories from being noticed. You can request the free download from the homepage by entering your email.
