Jeff Custer
Washington,DC
Summary
Experienced professional with a diverse background in the media industry, offering a proven track record of success. Exceptional writing and communication skills, effectively collaborating with various media outlets. Hands-on experience in news production and broadcasting has provided the ability to deliver accurate and compelling information. Strong passion for the media, well-equipped to contribute to any organization seeking a dynamic and skilled individual.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
International Broadcaster/News Writer/Reporter/Digital Video Editing
Voice of America
03.2001 - 03.2025
- 25 years of experience newswriting and reporting, for online, radio and television, as well audio/video production and anchoring newscasts.
- Covered news from a variety of regions around the world including Africa, East Asia Pacific and Latin America.
- Wrote and produced news and feature stories form both radio, television and on-line.
- Produced video products for use in newscasts broadcast to all corners of the world
- Wrote and produced hourly radio newscasts featuring breaking news of the day.
- Wrote and produced video news for social media platforms
- Worked with colleagues from around the world.
Part-time Reporter and Occasional Newscaster
WAMU-FM/NPR Affiliate
03.2003 - 01.2006
- As part-time reporter conducted interviews, wrote and produced both news and feature stories for use on the air.
- Filled-in an newscaster occasionally for after-noon drive newscasts
Freelance Writer
Various Media
03.2000 - 2001
- Wrote freelance articles and wrote news for various media outlets including USA Today, The Washington Post, and America Online
- Also acted as grant review reporter during grant application process providing detailed notes and data for use during consideration various grant applications.
- Collaborated with editors and fellow reporters during coverage of live ongoing local events.
Deputy Director, Political Unit
Fox News Channel
- 04.2000
- Assisted in organizing political coverage 1998, 2000 elections, associate producer, Election Night 1998; Beltway Boys, Fox News Sunday
Producer/Research Director
The McLaughlin Group
- Wrote and produced pieces setting up discussions for weekly political talk show.
- Booked, briefed and otherwise facilitated panelists for appearances.
- Provided on-air voice over for Holiday editions of program.
Director, Media Relations
American Advertising Federation
- Managed media outreach for 50,000 -member association of local advertising clubs.
- Produced news releases and managed media coverage of events and issues surrounding association.
- Provide media support for variety of associations annual meetings and events including annual national conference and student advertising competition.
Deputy Press Secretary, Southern U.S.
Bob Kerrey For President Campaign
- Assisted in managing media coverage of presidential candidate during 1992 campaign.
- Conducted brief broadcast interviews with candidate for distribution to broadcast media.
- Arranged news media interviews for candidate during campaign stops in cities across the southern United States.
- Wrote and disseminated new releases for candidate on a variety of issues.
- Monitored media coverage of the candidate to gauge success in reaching target audiences with key messages.
Press Secretary, Rep. Tim Penny
U.S. House of Representatives
- Oversaw media outreach for a U.S. Congressman from Minnesota both in his home district and in the Washington, DC media market.
- Wrote and disseminated news releases and other news materials for the Congressman both in his home district and in the Washington, DC and national media.
- Conducted recorded interviews with the Congressman for distribution to his home-district broadcast media.
- Wrote and disseminated public statements issued by the Congressman.
- Monitored media coverage to assess effectiveness of PR efforts and identify areas for improvement.
- Maximized positive publicity with carefully crafted op-eds placed in top-tier publications.
Radio-Television Coordinator, DFL Caucus
Minnesota House of Representatives
- Handled broadcast media outreach for members of DFL Caucus of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
- Conducted recorded interviews with caucus members for distribution to home districts.
- Facilitated new conferences and media appearances for caucus members at the capitol in St. Paul and in their home districts.
- Produced daily "News from the Capitol" audio news pieces regarding legislative action at the capitol.
News Director
WDSM/KZIO Radio
- Anchored morning drive newscasts six days a week for both AM and FM radio stations covering market of more than 100,000 in northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.
- Reported, wrote and produced daily radio news stories for both stations.
- Developed, wrote, produced and anchored "Twin Ports Sunday Morning" Weekly public affairs program.
- Hired and trained reporters and interns who worked with me in the news department. .
General Assignment Reporter
Eau Claire Press Company
- Covered daily breaking news for regional desk, covering a 13-country area in west central Wisconsin up to the Minnesota border
- Wrote award winning story regarding a local man who dies saving other members of his family during a house fire.
- Wrote feature and human interest stories from around the region and in the city.
- Assisted in coverage of local high school and college teams.
- Assisted in local and regional election night coverage.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WIMaster of Arts - Journalism And Public Affairs
American University
Washington, DCSkills
- Web-Based Journalism
- Engaging Creative Writing
- On-Air Presentation Skills
- Effective Interviewing Skills
- Focused on Timely Deliverables
- Audio-Visual Production
- Broadcast Media Production
- Real-Time Broadcasting
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Content Development Expertise
- Multimedia Analysis
- Managing Media Engagements
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Strong Communication Skills
Personal Information
Title: Journalist/Writer/Communications
Timeline
Part-time Reporter and Occasional Newscaster
WAMU-FM/NPR Affiliate
03.2003 - 01.2006
International Broadcaster/News Writer/Reporter/Digital Video Editing
Voice of America
03.2001 - 03.2025
Freelance Writer
Various Media
03.2000 - 2001
Deputy Director, Political Unit
Fox News Channel
- 04.2000
Producer/Research Director
The McLaughlin Group
Director, Media Relations
American Advertising Federation
Deputy Press Secretary, Southern U.S.
Bob Kerrey For President Campaign
Press Secretary, Rep. Tim Penny
U.S. House of Representatives
Radio-Television Coordinator, DFL Caucus
Minnesota House of Representatives
News Director
WDSM/KZIO Radio
General Assignment Reporter
Eau Claire Press Company
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Master of Arts - Journalism And Public Affairs
American University
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