Frank Pokorney
West Islip,NY
Summary
Dynamic communications leader with a proven track record, driving growth in audience and page traffic. Expert in digital analytics and team leadership, fostering multi-platform integration and audience engagement. Successfully executed strategic initiatives that significantly enhanced revenue and established best practices in journalism.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Digital News
News 12 Networks
05.2023 - 08.2025
- As a key digital news leader, helped digital business grow 50% in audience and page traffic in the last five years. User growth led to significant revenue increases of more than 600% during this time.
- Outlined and executed strategic vision for all seven News 12 regions on digital platforms.
- Led the digital team to consistently execute journalism best practices.
- Analyzed digital metrics, study consumption habits to make data-driven editorial decisions based on user interest.
- Identified key revenue areas and communicated these insights to sales teams for strategic sponsorship opportunities.
- Collaborated with newsrooms throughout the News 12 networks on optimal integration and fostering a multiplatform storytelling environment.
- Collaborated with engineering team to develop new products and enhance workflow processes.
- Coordinated social media strategies and breaking news alerts to maximize audience engagement.
- Managed the News 12 newsletter vertical.
Assistant News Director - Digital
News 12 Networks
01.2021 - 05.2023
- Led production and publishing of award-winning News 12 special projects on digital platforms, enhancing audience engagement.
- Played a key role in the creation of News 12's first unique digital streaming channel, News 12 New York.
- Collaborated with vice president of digital news to pinpoint metrics and revenue growth opportunities on News 12 digital platforms.
- Served as liaison between developers and editorial teams, facilitating feedback on product and workflow enhancements.
- Routinely trained the editorial staff on editorial best practices and journalism trends.
- Worked closely with digital staff on integration of key back-end systems.
Executive Producer - Digital
News 12 Networks
03.2010 - 01.2021
- Executed editorial and technology planning for national and local election coverage every year.
- Led the News 12 digital team in back-end integration between News 12 and Newsday digital systems during the merger.
- Outlined and approved daily editorial story plans, aligning content strategy with News 12 regions and News 12 Digital staff.
- Collaborated with News 12 Digital managing editors to analyze metrics feedback and identify emerging story trends.
- Served as the lead digital resource for co-authored special projects with Newsday at News 12.
- Supported lead developer in enhancing and upgrading News 12 OTT set top box product, contributing to its innovative features.
- Played a key role in hiring and infrastructure creation of the News 12 en Español product.
Managing Editor - Digital
News 12 Networks
09.2006 - 03.2010
- Edited all digital stories for clarity and accuracy.
- Collaborated with executive producer to develop daily story plans for digital platforms.
- Coordinated producer shifts for News 12 Digital to ensure optimal coverage.
- Supported project manager in implementing workflow and technology improvements to enhance team efficiency.
Producer - Digital
News 12 Networks
05.2004 - 09.2006
- Identified and pitched stories to enhance daily coverage plans for editorial managers.
- Wrote stories and edited video for News12.com and the Channel 612 OTT product.
- Responded to breaking news coverage with timely updates.
- Cultivated relationships with News 12 newsrooms, improving communication with assignment desks, linear producers, and reporters.
Media Relations Manager
Long Island Ducks
01.2000 - 05.2002
- Established Long Island Ducks media relations operation, laying foundation for successful communications.
- Built relationships with major media outlets prior to Ducks inaugural season, enhancing visibility and coverage.
- Developed key storylines for the team and pitched them to media outlets, generating interest and engagement.
- Managed press box operation and wrote game summaries throughout the season.
- Assisted with groundskeeping tasks at the ballpark.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - communications, journalism
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD05-1998
Skills
- Content strategy
- Digital Analytics
- Multi-Platform Integration
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Audience Engagement
- Social Media
- Writing
Awards
- Emmy Awards
- Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards
- Press Club of Long Island Awards
Websites
Timeline
Director of Digital News
News 12 Networks
05.2023 - 08.2025
Assistant News Director - Digital
News 12 Networks
01.2021 - 05.2023
Executive Producer - Digital
News 12 Networks
03.2010 - 01.2021
Managing Editor - Digital
News 12 Networks
09.2006 - 03.2010
Producer - Digital
News 12 Networks
05.2004 - 09.2006
Media Relations Manager
Long Island Ducks
01.2000 - 05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - communications, journalism
Loyola University Maryland