KAREN CHASE LEIGHTON
Media Specialist/Veteran Journalist
New York,NY
Summary
Media specialist for Russo Partners, a healthcare and biotech-focused public relations firm. Former network journalist with decades of experience and a broad universe of personal media connections who translates science into English. Specializes in telling client stories in a way that intrigues journalists. I've spent a lifetime on the other side of the media door. I know how to open it. Created a groundbreaking podcast series for clients.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Media Specialist
Russo Partners LLC
New York, NY
04.2017 - 04.2020
- Researched and developed clients' stories, objectives and challenges and drafted action plans to increase media attention
- Raised client profiles through creative pitching, event planning and extensive media outreach
- Conducted crisis management by drafting and executing resolution plans to address unexpected developments
- Created professional, personal, unique podcasts for clients to showcase their companies, leading products, ideas and team members
- Connected the company to new clients
News Anchor
ABC Radio Networks
New York, NY
05.1997 - 04.2017
- News Anchor: Wrote, produced and anchored hourly newscasts for over 1500 radio, digital and social media platforms nationwide
- Tech Correspondent: Researched, wrote and produced 2 daily technology-focused feature pieces on cutting edge and consumer technology advances
- Features Reporter: Produced and delivered daily general news feature reports for other newscasts
- Mentor: Coached other staff members on constructing and improving news segments
Contributing Correspondent
ABC NewsOne
New York, New York
04.1999 - 01.2005
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for hundreds of ABC-TV affiliates
- Delivered live reports from event sites, such as Nasdaq headquarters, and news events
- Produced technology and lifestyle news reports that incorporated music, video clips and sound effects
Morning Drive Anchor
A-P Radio Network
Washington, DC
03.1994 - 05.1997
- Researched, wrote, produced and anchored hourly all-news newscasts
- Conducted live interviews with newsmakers on breaking news with little or no notice
- Developed and delivered feature stories for other anchors and affiliates
News Anchor
Unistar Radio Networks
Arlington, Virginia
09.1986 - 03.1994
- Served as White House and Capitol Hill Correspondent
- Covered events at the Supreme Court, State Department and Pentagon
- Anchored hourly newscasts
Education
B.A - Communications
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA05.1991
Skills
- Podcast creator, producer, editor and host
- PR strategy development
- Media outreach
Additional Information
- Edward R. Murrow Award Overall Excellence, ABC News Radio Anchor, 2016, 2015, 2014
- Peabody Award, 9-11 Live Anchored Coverage
- National Headliner Award, 9-11 Coverage
- White House/Capital Hill Correspondent
Timeline
Media Specialist
Russo Partners LLC
04.2017 - 04.2020
Contributing Correspondent
ABC NewsOne
04.1999 - 01.2005
News Anchor
ABC Radio Networks
05.1997 - 04.2017
Morning Drive Anchor
A-P Radio Network
03.1994 - 05.1997
News Anchor
Unistar Radio Networks
09.1986 - 03.1994
B.A - Communications
University of Massachusetts Amherst
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