Chris Eberhart

Wrote over 580 stories in 14 months, which includes a mix of investigations, on-the-ground reporting and quick hits (low effort, high return to boost company traffic goals).

I always have a bag packed to run out the door to catch a plane or drive to a story anywhere in the country.

Effectively use all resources, contacts and experts to fully understand each topic to write an easy-to-read, gripping narratives while providing context within articles by simplifying complex legal issues for a non-expert audience.

Identified a general format of short, punchy sentences, links and visuals to put together an online package that consistently delivers at least a minute in engagement time.

Learned to how use extra research and contacts to craft headlines/ledes to separate my story from other outlets that are covering the same topic.

Worked with reporters within in my crime team and journalists from other topics to produce the best story possible or help other reporters with contacts (happened mostly when crime crossed into entertainment, sports, politics - example: Tupac suspect arrest).

Learned how to use metrics to find stories that resonate with audiences and carve out my own niche of topics that added To the company.

Appeared as a guest panelist a couple times on Nancy Grace's show to talk about on-the-ground reporting.

Gained trust of sources through respectful communication while maintaining confidentiality when required.

Stayed up-to-date with current events, trends to stay ahead of competition and industry news.

Heavily involved in working with the SEO team and editors to integrate hard news and crime coverage in a relatively new outlet in the U.S.

Covered stories on the ground across the country

Discovered new ways to investigate important issues and tailored the writing style, headlines and format to the audience we were trying to reach.

Mentored junior reporters, providing guidance on effective interviewing techniques and story development strategies.

Pushed branding efforts by appearing as an expert or guest on TV shows, podcasts and radio shows.

Generated compelling story ideas by staying current on industry trends and a wide array of current events.

Wrote accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories on a wide array of topics.

Used social media outlets to connect directly with public.

Built relationships with experts in various fields to build an eclectic list of contacts that I still use and grow.

Diversified portfolio of published articles by covering a wide range of topics such as politics, education, crime, business, sports, entertainment, health issues among others.

Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.

Developed and maintained network of contacts to facilitate story development.

Responsibilities and job description changed with evolving needs of the newspaper and the company.

Started as a community-based beat reporter before shifting to night breaking news and then created a hybrid-type role of breaking news while working enterprise/investigations.

Adapted writing style for diverse audiences across print, online, and multimedia platforms.

Mentored junior reporters, providing guidance on effective interviewing techniques and story development strategies.

Coordinated special projects such as investigative reports or human-interest feature stories resulting in increased exposure for the publication.

Covered high-profile events such as political elections and natural disasters, providing timely updates to readers.

NYS Press Association First Place Spot News Coverage: On-scene reporter and writer for article headlined "Machete-wielding man attacks rabbi's Hanukkah party"

Covered local events, elections and school news.

Established credibility with sources by building strong relationships, resulting in exclusive interviews and scoops.

Collaborated with editors to develop compelling story ideas, ensuring diverse content that appealed to a wide audience.

Won two NYPA awards.

Paid per story to cover local issues in New Rochelle starting when I was 19 (continued through sophomore, junior and senior years at Iona College (now Iona University) in New Rochelle, NY.

Worked as a freelancer while earning my degree and holding down part-time jobs.

• Worked every and any freelance gig for local outlets, Bleacher Report, features magazine, among other places, while I earned my degree
• Learned how to write and cover different topics (local events, crime, sports, features, etc..)