Eric Ross
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Seasoned communications professional and veteran Edward R. Murrow award-winning television news investigative reporter. On-air work resulted in legislative and policy changes, refunds for scam victims, and criminal indictments. Detail-oriented video producer and social media content creator. Adept in creating and implementing internal, external, and crisis communications plans. Proven leader with a passion for creating a better-informed world through community engagement, public service announcements, and news conferences.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Media Relations/Public Affairs
18th Judicial District Attorney's Office
05.2022 - Current
- Successfully coordinated multiple news conferences for high-profile felony cases in Colorado's largest judicial district
- Managed all social media platforms, ensuring a consistent brand voice and message
- Secured valuable media coverage through targeted pitching
- Drafted speeches and key media talking points on behalf of elected DA and senior staff for community events, town halls, and media interviews
- Utilized professional lighting equipment and editing software to produce and edit engaging video content to highlight office achievements
- Developed yearly marketing campaigns using data analytics to promote fall Civilian Academy program
- Promptly responded to media inquiries and records requests under Colorado's open records laws (CCJRA and CORA)
- Fostered positive relationships with local and national press
- Taught strategies for successful internal and external communications with senior leadership
- Improved government transparency by launching public-facing "data dashboard" accountability project in 2022
Executive Producer/Chief Investigative Reporter
KOAA-TV
03.2017 - 05.2022
- Researched viewer news tips centered around consumer scams, wasteful spending and contractor fraud
- Investigative reports resulted in criminal charges and refunds/assistance for crime victims
- Worked alongside local and state officials to find solutions to community-related problems and issues
- Frequently filed records requests for news gathering and fact-checking processes
- Published exclusive news content in alignment with target audiences
- Prepared social media posts and videos with eye for viral content strategies
- Results-driven investigative content generated hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube
- Guided general assignments reporters with story development and cultivating sources
- Anchored and produced weekday News 5 at Noon newscasts (30-minute show)
- Supervised creation process to verify on-brand, impactful, and relevant content
- Managed budgets and resources effectively to reduce production costs while maintaining high production value
- Collaborated with hiring managers to develop accurate job descriptions and identify key qualifications for open investigative unit positions
- Conducted comprehensive candidate screenings to assess skills, experience, and fit for specific newsroom roles
Investigative Reporter
WTMJ 4 News
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Delivered live, local news reports on-air and on all social media platforms during early evening newscasts
- Pitched compelling story ideas in daily editorial meetings
- Enhanced public awareness about key issues through consistent, high-quality investigative reporting
- Worked closely with executive producers to maintain optimum levels of communication to effectively and efficiently complete projects
- Fact-checked breaking news headlines by performing background research, contacting experts or witnesses, and conferring with lawyers to comply with legal boundaries for sensitive stories
Investigative Reporter
KOAA-TV
10.2012 - 12.2015
- Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends, and issues
- Broke exclusive stories by cultivating relationships with sources and staying ahead of competitors
- Collaborated with editors and other staff members to refine story angles and content
- Maintained professional standards of journalism by fact-checking all data before publishing, upholding the integrity of the news organization
- Navigated complex legal and ethical situations responsibly to protect both source confidentiality and journalistic credibility
- Received industry accolades for exceptional reporting on significant local stories that had national implications
General Assignments Reporter/Fill-in Anchor
KFDA TV
09.2011 - 10.2012
- Reported daily news coverage live on-air for highest-rated shows (5, 6, and 10 o'clock evening newscasts)
- Responded to breaking news stories with strong sense of urgency
- Edited story content for accuracy and clarity
- Attended press conferences, court hearings and special events to stay conversant with current news trends
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications- Broadcast Journalism
University Of Houston
Houston, TX2011
Skills
- Public and Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Marketing and SEO Implementation
- Open Records (CORA, CCJRA, and FOIA)
- Photography, Videography, and Non-Linear Editing
- Web Posting and Design
- Social Media Creation with Measurable Results
- Community Engagement
- Media Spokesperson/Public Information Officer (PIO)
Accomplishments
- Immediately increased social media presence and public transparency upon onboarding with the 18th Judicial DA's Office
- Developed a marketing plan that resulted in record-attendance for our Civilian Academy program (2023)
- Successfully built and launched an investigative/consumer unit in 2013 with an emphasis on "problem-solving" journalism in Colorado Springs
- Honored 7x by the Colorado Broadcasters Association for enterprise and investigative reporting
Certification
FEMA Crisis Communications PIO Basic Training (2023)
Timeline
Director of Media Relations/Public Affairs
18th Judicial District Attorney's Office
05.2022 - Current
Executive Producer/Chief Investigative Reporter
KOAA-TV
03.2017 - 05.2022
Investigative Reporter
WTMJ 4 News
01.2016 - 01.2017
Investigative Reporter
KOAA-TV
10.2012 - 12.2015
General Assignments Reporter/Fill-in Anchor
KFDA TV
09.2011 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Communications- Broadcast Journalism
University Of Houston
FEMA Crisis Communications PIO Basic Training (2023)
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