Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Interests
Timeline
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David Blanks

Rochester Hills

Summary

Driven, Emmy-winning producer with two decades' worth of expertise in creating engaging and impactful television news content. Seeking new direction in life.


Successfully managed newsroom operations, coordinated live broadcasts, and developed compelling stories that align with station objectives. Demonstrated leadership and editorial judgment while fostering collaboration and creativity within news teams. Mentored dozens of future journalists as interns and associate producers.


Proven track record of maintaining high standards and professionalism in fast-paced environments.


Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.


Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Television News Producer

WJBK-TV Fox 2 Detroit
01.2005 - Current
  • Selected, stacked, and, wrote anchors' daily scripts for impactful flow and voice.
  • Supervised the editorial process from inception to completion, maintaining high journalistic standards at all times.
  • Boosted and maintained ratings in multiple "day parts" through innovative and compelling storytelling, viewer engagement techniques, and willingness to try new ideas.
  • Leveraged social media platforms effectively for promoting stories online while driving conversations around key issues among viewership base.
  • Followed local events closely to immediately break interesting and critical stories.
  • Maintained close collaboration with assignment editors to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant events and issues affecting the community.
  • Mentored junior producers and interns to hone their skills in journalism and television production techniques.
  • Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.

Guest Relations Associate

Olympia Entertainment
01.2002 - 12.2004
  • Streamlined check-in and check-out processes for improved efficiency and guest experience.
  • Trained new Guest Relations Associates, promoting a consistent standard of excellence within the team.
  • Provided valuable feedback to management on guest trends, preferences, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Fostered positive relationships with guests through personalized interactions and genuine hospitality.
  • Worked closely with guests, some VIP, or celebrity, with high degree of respect for privacy.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - English

Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
12-2004

Associate of Arts - Television Production

Specs Howard School of Media Arts
Southfield, MI
12-2001

High School Diploma -

Trenton High School
Trenton, MI
06-1999

Skills

  • Pre-production planning
  • Content curation
  • Script writing
  • Audience engagement
  • Deadline management
  • Mentoring staff
  • Brand strategy
  • Creative direction
  • Video editing
  • Strong graphic and visual sense

Accomplishments


  • Won 2009 Local Emmy Award for Best Local Newscast in Michigan
  • Nominated twice for Local Emmy Award in "Best Newscast" category.
  • Maintained "Number One" status in local news ratings (Detroit market) for entirety of career during assigned time slot.
  • Helped numerous interns/mentees obtain employment in industry.
  • Frequently cited by superiors as "newsroom leader" of the morning shift.

Languages

German
Limited Working

Interests

  • Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
  • Documenting and sharing travel experiences
  • Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
  • Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
  • Sharing recipes, cooking tips, and culinary experiences through blogs and social media platforms
  • Participating in ice hockey and soccer for fun, as well as overall physical and mental well-being
  • Listening to music of all genres with passion for rock and roll
  • Joining fundraising events to support local schools, children's sports teams

Timeline

Television News Producer

WJBK-TV Fox 2 Detroit
01.2005 - Current

Guest Relations Associate

Olympia Entertainment
01.2002 - 12.2004

Bachelor of Arts - English

Michigan State University

Associate of Arts - Television Production

Specs Howard School of Media Arts

High School Diploma -

Trenton High School

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