Derrick James
Mcalester,OK
Summary
Determined and flexible reporter with willingness to obtain and accurately report breaking news. Known for award-winning work on Native American affairs, crime and courts, and breaking news. Offering strong journalistic integrity in all situations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Writer
NonDoc.com
09.2025 - Current
- Established strong relationships with local sources, enhancing the depth of coverage on regional topics.
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging, and fact-checked stories.
- Collaborated with editors to refine content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and cohesiveness for publication.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under pressure while maintaining high levels of accuracy in writing style.
Account Representative
McAlester Radio
02.2025 - Current
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
- Managed account portfolios, ensuring timely resolution of client inquiries and issues.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
Managing Editor
McAlester News-Capital
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Directed editorial team to enhance content quality and alignment with publication standards.
- Developed and implemented editorial guidelines to streamline production processes and improve consistency.
- Collaborated with writers to refine articles, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to brand voice.
- Managed editorial calendar, coordinating deadlines and prioritizing projects for timely publication.
Staff Writer
McAlester News-Capital
02.2018 - 08.2024
- Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports
- Utilized social media to promote stories and build audience
- Captured and edited audio, video and photographs to provide multimedia content to enhance stories
- Collaborated with other journalists and departments to produce well-rounded and comprehensive news coverage
Storm Tracker
KOKI Fox 23 News
02.2017 - 11.2018
- Tracked severe weather live on-air for meteorologists and viewers. Responded to breaking news stories in southeast Oklahoma.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK05.2023
Associate of Arts - Mass Communicaiton
Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton12.2017
High School Diploma -
Mcalester High School
Mcalester, OK05.2008
Skills
- Story development
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, BLOX CMS
- Editing
- Breaking news expertise
Accomplishments
National Native Media Awards Winner - 2022, 2023, 2024,
Oklahoma Press Association Awards Winner - 2019-2023
Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists Awards Winner 2019-2024
Oklahoma Associated Press Awards Winner 2019, 2021, 2023
Refrences
Adrian O' Hanlon III
Editor, McAlester News-Capital
903-771-9338
Timeline
Staff Writer
NonDoc.com
09.2025 - Current
Account Representative
McAlester Radio
02.2025 - Current
Managing Editor
McAlester News-Capital
08.2024 - 02.2025
Staff Writer
McAlester News-Capital
02.2018 - 08.2024
Storm Tracker
KOKI Fox 23 News
02.2017 - 11.2018
Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
Oklahoma State University
Associate of Arts - Mass Communicaiton
Eastern Oklahoma State College
High School Diploma -
Mcalester High School