Kristen Hamilton-Stone
Cedar Rapids,IA
Summary
Award-caliber journalist with experience producing compelling, accurate, and audience-driven stories across broadcast and digital platforms. Skilled in enterprise reporting, live coverage, breaking news, and long-form storytelling. Proven ability to translate complex issues into clear, impactful narratives while meeting tight deadlines in fast-paced newsroom environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
News Director
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Cedar Rapids, IA
01.2020 - Current
- Developed news content for broadcast and digital platforms.
- Assisted in managing newsroom operations and schedules.
- Monitored breaking news events across multiple media channels.
- Engaged with community members for story ideas and feedback.
- Supported social media strategy to enhance audience engagement.
- Recruited new talent for open positions within the newsroom environment.
- Provided guidance on journalistic practices to staff members such as reporters and editors.
- Prepared daily editorial meetings to discuss news coverage plans for upcoming shows.
- Evaluated scripts written by reporters for accuracy, clarity and brevity.
- Directed team members in development of many weekly news stories.
- Collaborated with marketing department on promotional campaigns for newscast ratings growth.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of staff members in order to identify areas of improvement.
- Managed budget allocations related to staffing levels, equipment purchases, travel expenses.
KHQA News Director
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Quincy, IL
07.2014 - 01.2020
WXIN Content Manager
Tribune Broadcasting
Indianapolis, Indiana
04.2011 - 07.2014
WMBD Asst. News Director
Nexstar
Peoria, Illinois
03.2008 - 04.2011
WJCL Managing Editor
WJCL News
Savannah, Georgia
03.2007 - 03.2008
Education
Bachelor of Science - Broadcast Journalism
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL05-2001
Skills
- Developing news content, ratings growth
- Digital media management 600%
- Budget management
- Team leadership, coaching
- Script evaluation
- Community engagement
Certification
Dale Carnegie Leadership Training 2015
Affiliations
RTNDA Safety Committee Member, 2024 to Present
Accomplishments
Regional Edward R Murrow Award; 2022 News Documentary, 2024 Breaking News, 2015 Investigative Reporting
Timeline
News Director
Sinclair Broadcast Group
01.2020 - Current
KHQA News Director
Sinclair Broadcast Group
07.2014 - 01.2020
WXIN Content Manager
Tribune Broadcasting
04.2011 - 07.2014
WMBD Asst. News Director
Nexstar
03.2008 - 04.2011
WJCL Managing Editor
WJCL News
03.2007 - 03.2008
Bachelor of Science - Broadcast Journalism
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign