Kendra Benson
JUNCTION CITY,KS
Summary
Media and communications professional with over 7 years of experience in political journalism and national media, specializing in earned media strategy, narrative development, rapid-response communications, and executive-facing storytelling. Former newsroom leader with deep expertise in translating complex policy and political issues into compelling, disciplined messages for national audiences. Experienced in collaborating cross-functionally to amplify impact across media, digital, and stakeholder channels.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Programming Producer
Nexstar
Remote
10.2022 - Current
- Led national content strategy for The Hill's FAST channel, shaping political and policy narratives consumed by millions of viewers across major streaming platforms.
- Translated complex political developments, investigations, and election coverage into clear, compelling messaging aligned with organizational priorities and brand standards.
- Collaborated with editorial leadership, design, and distribution partners to ensure message discipline and accuracy across high-visibility news cycles.
- Supported rapid-response coverage of breaking political news by coordinating messaging, visuals, and programming decisions under tight deadlines.
- Developed and edit written content including program descriptions, metadata, and promotional copy optimized for discoverability and audience engagement.
- Analyzed performance data and audience trends to refine editorial strategy, increasing content discoverability by 20% and expanding channel reach by 30%.
- Partnered cross-functionally to launch The Hill on multiple major platforms (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Freevee, Vizio, Google, Samsung), ensuring consistency across audiences and outlets.
- Contributed to executive-facing programming initiatives, special series, and election coverage requiring high message discipline and reputational sensitivity.
Senior Newscast Producer
E.W. Scripps
Waco, TX
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Directed daily editorial strategy for live and breaking news coverage, shaping story framing and messaging in a fast-paced political, and local policy environment.
- Led teams of producers and reporters to deliver accurate, compelling coverage, aligned with organizational standards and audience trust.
- Played a key role in rapid-response communications during high-salience news events, coordinating messaging, visuals, and live coverage in real time.
- Mentored junior staff in storytelling, message clarity, and ethical journalism practices.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to increase digital engagement and website traffic by 25% through coordinated broadcast and digital storytelling.
- Improved newsroom efficiency and accuracy through streamlined editorial planning, reducing errors by 20%.
Newscast Producer
Gray Television
Fargo, ND
09.2018 - 02.2020
- Produced daily broadcasts and digital news with a focus on policy, civic issues, and regional impact.
- Identified newsworthy trends and storylines through research and monitoring of local, national, and international developments.
- Enhanced audience engagement by integrating visual storytelling and digital distribution strategies, increasing social engagement by 20%.
- Maintained rigorous fact-checking and editorial standards in politically sensitive coverage.
Student Manager
Concordia College
Moorhead, MN
05.2015 - 05.2018
- Selected for a competitive leadership program with formal responsibility for supervising, training, and scheduling student staff across multiple dining operations.
- Managed teams during high-volume service periods, ensuring operational standards, compliance, and quality under time-sensitive conditions.
- Developed strong skills in conflict resolution, delegation, and cross-team coordination with peers.
Education
Master of Arts - Communications: New Media & Marketing
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NHBachelor of Arts - Multimedia Journalism, Psychology
Concordia College
Moorhead, MNSkills
- Earned Media Strategy & Media Pitching
- Rapid Response & High-Visibility Communications
- Executive & Leadership Communications
- Narrative Framing, Message Discipline & AP Style
- Audience & Performance Analysis
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management
- Content Optimization & SEO
Affiliations
Canva
Awards & Honors
- Best Streaming News Service, Cynopsis, 2022, as part of The Hill TV team
- Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society
Accomplishments
Manhattan Clay Collective, Treasurer — Manages finances and oversees organizational operations.
Timeline
Programming Producer
Nexstar
10.2022 - Current
Senior Newscast Producer
E.W. Scripps
08.2020 - 12.2021
Newscast Producer
Gray Television
09.2018 - 02.2020
Student Manager
Concordia College
05.2015 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - Communications: New Media & Marketing
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Arts - Multimedia Journalism, Psychology
Concordia College