Laura Palka
Journalist - Media & Communication Strategies - Talent Coaching
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Award-winning journalist with 25 plus years of experience in the broadcast industry. Seasoned professional with dynamic writing, verbal and presentation skills. Creates impactful press releases, presentations, video scripts and social media notifications. Can summarize and simplify complex subjects into concise copy while meeting tight deadlines. Brings a reporter's perspective to the job and an insider's understanding of media expectations. Utilizes vast network of business and community contacts. Ability to effectively manage crisis communication situations, serve as a media spokesperson, and prepare clients for one-on-one interviews or news conferences.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Writer/Host - Freelance
WSOC-TV, ABC, Daily Two & Your 704 Showcase
Charlotte, NC
01.2024 - Current
- Write and host weekly 2-minute interview segment airing within “Eyewitness News at Noon.”
- Promote clients/advertisers, increase their profile and create lead generation by connecting them with viewers to showcase products, services or events.
News Anchor/Reporter
WSOC-TV, ABC
Charlotte, NC
08.2000 - 08.2010
- Co-Anchored six weekend newscasts, including 6/11 PM on WSOC-TV, 10 PM WAXN-TV
- Anchored unscripted breaking news coverage in studio and live on location, with #1 rated shows and audience engagement.
- Served as Weekend Managing Editor supervising team of two producers, two photographers and two reporters, while making split second decisions on story development and script editing.
- Reported from news event locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
- Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
- Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
- Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
- High profile reporting assignments included: Reverend Billy Graham's final Crusade in New York City, U.S. Airways bankruptcy, 2002 Carolinas Ice Storm, and death of racing legend Dale Earnhardt.
Voice & On Camera Talent/Actress
JTA Talent Agency
Charlotte, NC
01.2008 - Current
- Perform as on-camera/voice over talent for Corporate Training Films, Commercials & TV/Film.
- Clients include: Bank of America, Wells Fargo, SunTrust Bank, Lexington Medical Center, Bojangles & Polypore
- Guest Star roles in several episodic TV Shows/Films - including "The Family Plan" (Apple TV 2023) & "The Beanie Bubble" (Apple TV 2023), "Staircase" (HBO 2022), “Masterminds (2016), “Homeland” (Showtime 2011).
- SAG Eligible since 2014
Live TV Product Spokesperson (Freelance)
True Earth Health Products
Farmingdale, NY
- National Live TV Spokesperson for Plexaderm, PowerSwabs and Culler Beauty Products - appearing on network affiliate stations. Implemented consistent brand messaging to promote public trust and increase sales.
Magazine Writer (Freelance)
Home Design & Decor
Charlotte, NC
- Interviewed designers, builders and homeowners by phone, video chat and in-person to write feature stories for this quarterly magazine publication.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
News Anchor/Reporter/Producer
KVIA-TV, ABC
El Paso, Texas
04.1992 - 06.2000
- Anchored and produced 5 PM &10 PM Newscast
- Sourced, conducted interviews, developed and wrote same-day, quick-turnaround stories for the top rated ABC affiliate in West Texas and Southern New Mexico. Reported live on location daily along U.S.- Mexico border.
- High profile reporting assignments included: NAFTA's implementation, Waco Standoff, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol, post-Gulf War and military affairs at Fort Bliss and Texas Legislature.
News Reporter/Producer
WTVG-TV
Toledo, Ohio
Production Assistant
WDIV-TV
Detroit, MI
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Wayne State University
Detroit, MISkills
Newswriting & Feature Writing
Timeline
Writer/Host - Freelance
WSOC-TV, ABC, Daily Two & Your 704 Showcase
01.2024 - Current
Voice & On Camera Talent/Actress
JTA Talent Agency
01.2008 - Current
News Anchor/Reporter
WSOC-TV, ABC
08.2000 - 08.2010
News Anchor/Reporter/Producer
KVIA-TV, ABC
04.1992 - 06.2000
Live TV Product Spokesperson (Freelance)
True Earth Health Products
Magazine Writer (Freelance)
Home Design & Decor
News Reporter/Producer
WTVG-TV
Production Assistant
WDIV-TV
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Wayne State University
Awards
2003 Mid South Regional Emmy (Honorable Mention) Individual Achievement in Live Breaking News - Carolinas Ice Storm
2002 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, Spot Coverage (Station) - Carolinas Ice Storm
Numerous Associated Press Awards - NC, Texas and New Mexico
Professional Awards
2003 Mid South Regional Emmy (Honorable Mention) Individual Achievement in Live Breaking News - Carolinas Ice Storm
2002 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, Spot Coverage (Station) - Carolinas Ice Storm
Numerous Associated Press Awards from NC, Texas and New Mexico
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