Hugo Rikard-Bell
Salt Lake City
Summary
I’m a multi-award-winning journalist known for getting blood from a stone. With skills in interviewing, data analysis, and records review- combined with a personable, persistent approach- I try to uncover holes in public policy and shine a light on them. I'm a multi-platform storyteller, producing impactful work across radio, podcasts, television, and print.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Politics and Crime Reporter
KSL News
Salt Lake City, UT
11.2022 - 11.2024
- Uncovered data trends revealing systemic deficiencies in Utah’s domestic violence laws, which became the foundation for an award-winning podcast.
- Reported on multiple legislative bills with significant social impact on minority communities, identifying and exposing loopholes that allowed for legislative review.
- Covered nationally significant criminal and civil court cases from inside courtrooms across the Mountain West, including matters involving the death penalty.
- Investigated cartel activity in Utah and broke the story on the first confirmed discovery of Xylazine in fentanyl in the state.
Rural Reporter
The ABC
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
11.2020 - 11.2022
- I served as the rural reporter for ABC, based in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, where I independently researched, investigated, and produced stories across multiple platforms.
- My daily reporting covered Indigenous affairs, agriculture, politics, and other current issues.
- I also presented the Rural Report live on radio each morning and produced podcast and radio segments daily.
- In addition to audio, I presented a weekly television segment for the ABC 7pm News and frequently contributed to national news desks for both TV and radio.
- My investigations often focused on rural crime and fraud, and approximately three-quarters of my published work achieved national broadcast or publication.
Combat Mechanic for the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Utah National Guard
12.2024 - Current
- Currently I work fulltime as a mechanic. I am trained to troubleshoot, repair and maintain any mechanical or electrical device or vehicle for my unit. I am also airborne qualified and trained in Special Forces combat awareness.
Senior Station-hand
Kalyeeda Station
04.2016 - 02.2020
- I was responsible for the operating quality of the station’s stock camp. Skills and capabilities that were required for this position include leading the stock camp in cattle work, fencing, horsemanship and other station disciplines.
Education
Bachelors of Science (Agriculture) - Genetics And Chemistry
The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia10-2018
Post Graduate Diploma - Broadcasting And Journalism
Edith Cowan University
Perth, Western Australia10-2020
Skills
- Anthropological journalism
- Interviewing
- Multi-platform story telling
- Research
- Audio editing
- Records requests
- Data analysis
- Online investigation skills
Timeline
Combat Mechanic for the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Utah National Guard
12.2024 - Current
Politics and Crime Reporter
KSL News
11.2022 - 11.2024
Rural Reporter
The ABC
11.2020 - 11.2022
Senior Station-hand
Kalyeeda Station
04.2016 - 02.2020
Bachelors of Science (Agriculture) - Genetics And Chemistry
The University of Adelaide
Post Graduate Diploma - Broadcasting And Journalism
Edith Cowan University
Military Career
I am a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic for the 19th Special Forces (Airborne) in the Utah National Guard. I am Airborne Qualified. I received recognition for leadership and skills during my 8months of training in 2024.
Awards
- RMT Rural Journalist of the Year- Radio Broadcasting (2021)
- RMT Highly Commended Rural Journalist of the Year- Television (2021)
- MEAA Marchbanks Young Journalist of the Year (2022)
- 2023 Society of Professional Jounalists winner for solutions journalism (Like the back of his hand: a road map to Domestic Violence in Utah)