Hi, I’m
Daniel Wilkerson
Memphis, TN,TN
Summary
Seasoned breaking news anchor and reporter with a passion for storytelling. Transitioned from a successful ten-year banking career to pursue dream of becoming a television broadcaster. Interned in Jackson, Tennessee, near college to increase chances of being hired straight out of college. Recognized for potential by WBBJ six months before graduation and hired as a reporter. Two years at KTHV in Little Rock, Arkansas, followed by six years at WGCL in Atlanta. Always remained teachable, allowing for quick advancement in the broadcasting industry. Recently moved back to hometown of Memphis to gain anchor experience and work alongside broadcasting giants I grew up watching. Assisted parents in retiring while home. Now preparing for next adventure anchoring in top 20 market or as network correspondent. Thrives in high-pressure situations as a breaking news journalist. Superpower lies in ability to get people to open up and share their stories by conveying genuine care and establishing trust and mentoring younger journalists. Passionate about people-driven enterprise stories with an advocacy angle, both in reporting and anchoring.. Skilled at creating compelling television without sensationalizing stories.
Overview
13
years of professional experience
Work History
FOX13 - WHBQ
Weekend Evening Anchor/ Reporter
10.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Update viewers on important local developments by conducting live interviews with key stakeholders during evening broadcasts.
- Participate in promotional events and activities for the station, increasing brand visibility and strengthening viewer loyalty.
- Collaborate with the news team to produce compelling content, resulting in increased viewership and ratings.
- Mentor junior staff members, fostering growth in their skills and career development within the station.
- Copyedit newscasts, ensuring story accuracy, checking supers for grammatical and spelling errors
- Consult with producers on show stacking
- Approve reporter packages, give story selection suggestions and feedback on the most effective stories for teases
- Make in-the-minute decisions from the desk during breaking news, directing producers on coverage, researching new angles to cover during upcoming blocks
CBS46 - WGCL
Reporter/ Fill-In Anchor
06.2014 - 05.2020
Job overview
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories.
- Collaborated with other journalists and departments to produce well-rounded and comprehensive news coverage.
- Developed expertise in covering various beats, demonstrating versatility and adaptability as a reporter.
- Exceeded deadlines consistently, producing accurate and well-written news stories under tight time constraints.
- Participated in community events as a representative of the publication, fostering positive relationships between the news outlet and its audience members.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, providing comprehensive perspectives on relevant issues.
- Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports.
- Attended press conferences, court hearings and special events to stay conversant with current news.
- Covered breaking news events effectively, ensuring timely updates for audiences while maintaining factual accuracy and journalistic integrity.
- Researched and produced daily news reports.
- Stayed up-to-date with current events and trends to stay ahead of competition.
- Developed and maintained network of contacts to facilitate story development.
- Collaborated with Nancy Grace and Chris Hansen on the story of a missing soldier, husband and father. Helped organize a private canine team which hit on the spot where soldier’s body would be found.
- Collaborated with Nancy Grace on a story involving the mysterious death of a wife and mother. Exclusively interviewed victim’s husband, a former pastor questioned by investigators.
- Led morning coverage of station’s Books to Kids franchise which provided books to underserved children.
THV11 - KTHV
MMJ/ Producer
03.2012 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Presented production ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
- Oversaw post-production processes, including video editing and sound mixing, to ensure a polished final product.
- Conducted thorough pre-production planning sessions, ensuring all stakeholders were aligned on project objectives and timelines.
- Facilitated communication between production staff and other departments to synchronize work.
- Planned video shoots in studio and remotely by managing production through stages to completion.
- Organized delivery of story packages to other Tegna stations and CBS affiliates.
- Advocated for students of a junior college who had not received tuition reimbursement funds.
- Produced award-winning content, consistently meeting or exceeding network expectations for quality and creativity.
- Collaborated with writers, directors, and talent to create memorable television experiences for viewers.
- Improved show ratings by developing compelling content and storylines for various TV programs.
ABC & CBS 7 - WBBJ
MMJ/ Anchor/ Producer
03.2011 - 03.2012
Job overview
- Adapted to breaking news situations, providing timely coverage and updates for viewers..
- Drafted news headlines for broadcasting to capture listeners with clear and condensed writing.
- Conducted live and taped interviews to obtain information.
- Led coverage of Holly Bobo case, a missing nursing student.
- Anchored and produced weekend morning broadcasts
- Reported, shot and edited news stories.
Education
University of MemphisMemphis, TN
Bachelor Of Journalism from Broadcast Journalism
06.2007
Skills
- Storytelling abilities
- Breaking News Coverage
- Video Editing
- News writing
- Audience Engagement
- Fact-checking
- Investigative journalism
- Live Reporting
- Deadline Adherence
- Script Review
- On-camera skills
- News Anchoring
- Critical thinking abilities
- Exceptional communication
- Deadline-oriented
- Social media proficiency
- Field reporting
- Improvisation
- Copy Editing
- Radio broadcasting
- Investigative reporting
- Story pitching
- Teleprompter use
- In-Depth Research
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Self Motivation
- Public Speaking
- Lead Follow Up
- Background Research
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Story Development
- Photography
- Headline writing
- Broadcast media
- Live Event Production
- Storyboarding
- Legal Compliance
- Video Production
- Editing skills
- Multi-Camera Setup
- Voiceover Recording
- Audio Editing
- On-Air Presence
- Public Speaking Confidence
- Fact-checking accuracy
- Voice Modulation
- Adaptable Delivery
- News Writing Expertise
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Color correction knowledge
- Sound Effects
- Final Cut Pro
- Avid
- Edius
- ENPS
- iNews
Accomplishments
Emmy Award - Southeast Region
Reellink
https://youtu.be/UgO_ZbNXuZg
Affiliations
National Association of Black Journalists
For the Kid (Board member)
Timeline
Weekend Evening Anchor/ Reporter
FOX13 - WHBQ
10.2021 - Current
Reporter/ Fill-In Anchor
CBS46 - WGCL
06.2014 - 05.2020
MMJ/ Producer
THV11 - KTHV
03.2012 - 06.2014
MMJ/ Anchor/ Producer
ABC & CBS 7 - WBBJ
03.2011 - 03.2012
University of Memphis
Bachelor Of Journalism from Broadcast Journalism
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