Lauren Leisure
Bourbonnais,IL
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Multimedia Journalist Intern
WCIA3
Champaign, IL
05.2024 - Current
- Pitch, research, and produce compelling news stories covering a variety of topics, including local events, community issues, local sports, news, and human-interest stories
- Operate video cameras and other equipment to capture high-quality footage for news stories, interviews, and on-location reporting
- Edit video footage, sound bites, and packages using non-linear editing software to produce polished and engaging multimedia content
- Conduct interviews with sources, community members, and experts to gather information and perspectives for new stories
- Craft clear, concise, and accurate scripts for television broadcasts and digital platforms, adhering to AP style and journalistic standards
- Assist with live reporting, including live shots, breaking news coverage, and special events
- Contribute to the creation and management of digital content for WCIA3’s website, social media channels, and mobile app
- Work collaboratively with producers, editors, photographers, and other team members to coordinate coverage and meet deadlines
Reporting Intern
WGLT
Normal, IL
05.2024 - Current
- Conduct thorough research on local news stories, events, and topics of interest
- Conduct interviews with community members, officials, and experts to gather insights and perspectives
- Craft clear, concise, and engaging news scripts and features for broadcast
- Cover breaking news events, live broadcast, and on-location reporting
- On site field reporting to gather information for newscasts
- Edit audio recordings and ensure accuracy, quality, and adherence to editorial standards
- Work closely with producers, editors, and other team members to coordinate coverage and meet deadlines
- Capture photo, video, and audio to support coverage
Editorial Intern
Illinois State University Marketing and Communications Department
Normal, IL
05.2024 - Current
- Produce clear, concise, and engaging content for various communication channels, including news articles, feature stories, blog posts, and magazines
- Assist in editing and proofreading written materials to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to editorial guidelines as well as AP style
- Conduct research on university initiatives, events, faculty, and student achievements to identify compelling story ideas
- Conduct interviews with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to gather insights and quotes for articles and features
- Collaborate with multimedia team members to develop multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and photo galleries, to accompany written articles
- Provide support for various marketing and communication projects and initiatives as needed including event coverage and promotional campaigns
News and Sports Operational Director
103.3 WZND Fuzed Radio
Normal, IL
05.2024 - Current
- Provide strategic direction and leadership for the news and sports departments, setting goals, establishing priorities, and ensuring alignment with station objectives
- Oversee and direct 27 interns and two co-directors
- Oversee the production and delivery of news and sports content, including live broadcasts, pre-recorded segments, interviews, and features
- Provide guidance and mentorship to student reporters, anchors, and producers, helping them develop their skills in reporting, writing, and broadcasting
- Develop programming schedules, assign coverage responsibilities, and coordinate with other departments to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery of content
- Conduct training sessions, workshops, and feedback sessions to support the professional growth and development of student staff members
- Ensure compliance with FCC regulations, station policies, and ethical standards in news reporting and sports coverage
- Foster relationships with campus stakeholders, community leaders, and external partners to enhance coverage and promote collaboration
- Manage and maintain studio equipment, resources, and technology necessary for news and sports production
- Assist in the development and management of departmental budgets, including resource allocation and expenditure tracking
- Serve as a point of contact for news and sports-related emergencies, providing guidance and support to staff members as needed
- Regulate the stations PSA rotation and Quarterly Report
Studio Director
103.3 WZND Fuzed Radio
Normal, IL
12.2023 - Current
- Oversee day-to-day operations of the radio studios, ensuring functionality and adherence to broadcasting schedules, while diagnosing and resolving technical issues to minimize disruptions during studio usage
- Manage studio equipment, including soundboards, microphones, and computers, to maintain optimal performance
- Developed and managed studio schedules, optimizing the flow for recording sessions, live shows, and post-production work
University Teaching Assistant COM 162 – Radio Production
Illinois State University Communications Department
Normal, IL
12.2023 - Current
- Assist in maintaining an organized classroom dynamic, including the preparation of materials and resources necessary for daily lessons
- Assist in the grading of assignments, exams, and coursework
- Offering assistance to students with various learning needs, providing additional guidance to ensure comprehension
News and Sports Intern
103.3 WZND Fuzed Radio
Normal, IL
08.2023 - Current
- Conduct research and various interviews to gather information for news stories
- Write and edit various articles for publication
- Cover live sporting events, providing real-time updates and analysis while conducting interviews with athletes, coaches, and other key figures in the sports community
- Produce multimedia content, including podcasts and special reports to complement written news coverage
- Collaborate with fellow interns and supervisors to coordinate coverage, broadcasts, and publications
Communications and Media Associate
Milner Media Broadcasting Co. (WVLI, WFAV, WIVR, WYUR Radio Stations)
Bourbonnais, IL
08.2023 - Current
- Respond to customers to dispute and resolve their needs and questions
- Attend local county board meetings to publish and produce articles and radio actualities
- Execute a range of marketing and sales tasks in support of the sales team, contributing to the overall success of campaigns
- Write commercials and record promotional audio while showcasing creativity and proficiency in engaging audiences through effective scripting and production
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Brooke L. Photography
Normal, IL
10.2022 - Current
- Develop social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement while managing and optimizing social media platforms, (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, etc.) to increase followers, drive traffic to the company's website, and generate bookings
- Execute marketing campaigns, such as themed photo contests, giveaways, and collaborations with influencers, to drive user participation and increase brand awareness
- Facilitate interactions with customers through proactive engagement, responding to inquiries, feedback, and reviews in a timely and professional manner
Summer Intern
Milner Media Broadcasting Co. (WVLI, WFAV, WIVR, WYUR Radio Stations)
Bourbonnais, IL
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Wrote and reported local news and sports for live radio broadcasts and remotes showcasing accurate and timely information
- Curated persuasive sales pitches and participated in sales meetings throughout the community, contributing to revenue generation
- Conducted interviews with local law enforcement, government officials, and the public, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to gather relevant information for news coverage
- Demonstrated a commanding vocal presence and exceptional communication skills while adhering to station guidelines and industry standards, enhancing the overall quality of on-air content
- Edited audio clips and sound bites for news stories using industry-standard software
Content Creator and Social Media Assistant
Dress Well Boutique
Bourbonnais, IL
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Developed visually appealing and on-brand content for the boutique across various platforms, including social media, website, and email newsletters
- Produced high-quality product photos, showcasing merchandise in an aesthetically pleasing manner
- Implemented creative styling and promotional techniques to enhance the visual appeal of boutique products
- Managed and curated content for the boutique's social media accounts, maintaining a cohesive and compelling visual narrative
- Utilized platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to drive brand awareness and customer engagement
Athletics Communications Intern
Illinois State University Athletics
Normal, IL
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Developed visually appealing and on-brand content for the boutique across various platforms, including social media, website, and email newsletters
- Produced high-quality product photos, showcasing merchandise in an aesthetically pleasing manner
- Implemented creative styling and promotional techniques to enhance the visual appeal of boutique products
- Managed and curated content for the boutique's social media accounts, maintaining a cohesive and compelling visual narrative
- Utilized platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to drive brand awareness and customer engagement
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - Journalism
Illinois State University
Normal, IL08.2025
Skills
- Excellent Communication
- Writing and editing
- Public and Media Relations
- News Reporting
- Social Media Posting
- Web Content Creation
Awards
- Outstanding Radio Newscast, Illinois Broadcast Association, 04/24
- Finalist for Best Newscast Category, College Broadcasters Incorporated, 09/24
Timeline
Multimedia Journalist Intern
WCIA3
05.2024 - Current
Reporting Intern
WGLT
05.2024 - Current
Editorial Intern
Illinois State University Marketing and Communications Department
05.2024 - Current
News and Sports Operational Director
103.3 WZND Fuzed Radio
05.2024 - Current
Studio Director
103.3 WZND Fuzed Radio
12.2023 - Current
University Teaching Assistant COM 162 – Radio Production
Illinois State University Communications Department
12.2023 - Current
News and Sports Intern
103.3 WZND Fuzed Radio
08.2023 - Current
Communications and Media Associate
Milner Media Broadcasting Co. (WVLI, WFAV, WIVR, WYUR Radio Stations)
08.2023 - Current
Summer Intern
Milner Media Broadcasting Co. (WVLI, WFAV, WIVR, WYUR Radio Stations)
05.2023 - 08.2023
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Brooke L. Photography
10.2022 - Current
Content Creator and Social Media Assistant
Dress Well Boutique
08.2022 - 12.2022
Athletics Communications Intern
Illinois State University Athletics
08.2022 - 12.2022
Bachelor of Science Degree - Journalism
Illinois State University
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