Leslie Gaydos Harper
Holliston,Massachusetts
Summary
Accomplished, award-winning journalist, adept in multimedia storytelling and presenting facts in attention-grabbing formats. Proficient in research, writing and delivery. Excels in content development and crafting compelling stories for print, broadcast and web. Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities, experienced in handling numerous projects at once, prioritizing tasks, ensuring accuracy and meeting deadlines.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Consumer Investigative Reporter
NBC Boston
01.2017 - 09.2024
- Led NBC Responds, a network franchise and station initiative, helping viewers solve their consumer problems.
- Managed the unit, working directly with companies and organizations in an effort to resolve problems, resulting in 1.6 million dollars being returned to our viewers.
- Wrote, produced and presented on-air stories about the people we were able to help.
- Collaborated monthly with teams at a dozen other NBC stations to maximize resources & share content.
- Developed and maintained network of contacts to facilitate consumer story development.
- Planned and conducted research and pitched long-form stories to promote investigative news topics.
- Coordinated with videographers and promotions to produce unique consumer content.
- Utilized social media to promote stories and build audience.
- Exceeded deadlines consistently, producing accurate, fact-checked news stories under tight time constraints.
- Enhanced public awareness about key issues through consistent, high-quality investigative reporting.
TV News Anchor/Reporter
NECN
09.1995 - 01.2017
- Anchored and reported daily, covering breaking news and special events live on air, projecting credibility and trustworthiness to viewers.
- Cultivated a diverse network of sources within the community for access to exclusive information that set the station apart from competitors.
- Demonstrated versatility by covering breaking news, feature stories, and investigative reports across various beats.
- Reported live from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
- Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
- Promoted the station's brand and connected with viewers through participation in community events, panels, or speaking engagements.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Wrote and co-produced an investigative documentary that was credited with helping to pass stalled fire legislation in Massachusetts that closed a loophole in state sprinkler laws.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Broadcast Journalism
Boston University
Boston, MA Skills
- Media Relations & Communications
- Multimedia Storytelling
- Research & Content Development
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Deadline Management
- Team Building & Leadership
- Interviewing & Media Training
- Public Speaking
Awards
Boston/New England Emmy Award for Outstanding Business/Consumer News 2024
Boston/New England Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Report 2022
National Edward R Murrow Award for Investigative Journalism
Regional Edward R Murrow Award for Best Feature Reporting
Associated Press Award for Best Documentary
Timeline
Consumer Investigative Reporter
NBC Boston
01.2017 - 09.2024
TV News Anchor/Reporter
NECN
09.1995 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Broadcast Journalism
Boston University
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