Mark Gunnels
Los Angeles,California
Summary
With a strong background in public relations and digital media production, I bring a dynamic and energetic approach to my work. Passionate about sports and possessing a vibrant personality, I excel at driving brand awareness and fostering engaging dialogue. My exceptional marketing skills, coupled with my talent for promoting discussion, make me a valuable asset for any project or campaign's success.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
On-Air talent
Lakers Nation
Los Angeles, CA
10.2021 - Current
- Deliver gambling advice for every single Lakers game.
- Collaborate with the editor on new content ideas.
- Enhance listener engagement by incorporating trending topics and interactive segments in the on-air program.
- Keep current on industry trends and news stories, ensuring relevance of content discussed during programs.
- Maintain composure under pressure while handling unexpected technical issues or last-minute changes smoothly on air.
- Boost station ratings by consistently delivering compelling content tailored to audience preferences.
Podcast host/Columnist
Arrowhead Pride
Los Angeles, CA
07.2021 - Current
- Weekly episodes providing Kansas City Chiefs updates.
- Weekly article discussing hot takes on the Chiefs.
- Formulating new ideas for the site.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with guests for compelling interviews and conversations.
- Received positive feedback from both guests and listeners alike.
- Manage social media accounts to promote new episodes and engage with the podcast community effectively.
- Improved audience retention by consistently delivering informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking content.
Production Assistant
Fox Sports
Los Angeles, California, USA
08.2017 - Current
- Suggest topic ideas for Undisputed on a daily basis.
- Create graphics and b-roll video.
- Collaborate with production team to facilitate smooth operations, avoiding disruptions and delays
- Stay alert, active, and ready to respond to any request at any time using variety of available resources.
- Complete wide range of tasks in diverse filming areas to support operations.
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment, contributing to overall team productivity.
On-Air talent
Extra Points Podcast
Los Angeles, CA
02.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided weekly episodes with sports betting advice.
- Delivered in-depth sports analysis.
- Brainstormed ideas with the producer/co-host.
- Utilized social media platforms effectively to promote on-air segments and interact with listeners, fostering a strong online community.
- Coordinated effectively with traffic managers to ensure timely delivery of ad spots during broadcasts.
- Enhanced listener engagement by incorporating trending topics and interactive segments in the on-air program.
- Boosted station ratings by consistently delivering compelling content tailored to audience preferences.
Social media influencer/columnist
Bovada
Los Angeles, CA
04.2021 - 07.2023
- Helped with social media engagement.
- Provided weekly articles giving out betting advice.
- Hosted live events on social media platforms, fostering community interaction and increasing brand loyalty among followers.
- Strengthened personal brand identity by consistently maintaining a focused and authentic voice, tone, and visual aesthetic across all content creation efforts.
- Live streamed dialogue and events on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to optimize interaction and engagement levels.
- Formulated high-quality written storytelling and visual content for social media campaigns.
- Crafted authentic sponsored content for brands that resonated with followers, leading to long-term partnerships and collaborations.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to develop effective influencer campaigns, resulting in higher engagement and sales conversions.
Columnist
Sports Talk 2319
Los Angeles, CA
09.2019 - 01.2021
- Produced editorials on the NBA and college basketball.
- Brainstormed ideas with the editor.
- Served as an expert resource for other journalists, providing context and insight on complex topics within my area of expertise.
- Strengthened the credibility of the publication through fact-based reporting and rigorous research methods in column writing.
- Responded to reader comments with professionalism and tact to avoid escalating concerns.
Columnist
Black Sports Online
Los Angeles, California, USA
08.2013 - 03.2020
- Wrote 4-5 news reports per day.
- Performed extensive research, conducted interviews and attended events (games, tournaments and press conferences).
- Edited the quality of all content and worked with designers to present the material effectively in the final online publication.
Columnist
Fansided
Los Angeles, CA
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Produced consistent editorials.
- Reviewed potential topics with the editor before the publishing process.
- Found angles that will engage the reader.
Board Operator
Learfield Communication
Jefferson City, Missouri, USA
09.2014 - 03.2017
- Implemented proactive equipment maintenance routines to minimize downtime due to technical malfunctions.
- Executed live, breaking and syndicated broadcasts with no errors.
- Communicated clearly with team members during live broadcasts, facilitating smooth program execution.
- Ensured smooth transitions between segments by skillfully operating the mixing console and other equipment.
- Maintained studio equipment in good working order.
- Coordinated with producers and directors to execute high-quality broadcasts aligned with station standards.
- Participated in regular training sessions to maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices in broadcasting technology.
- Managed on-site broadcasts by setting up and running equipment in diverse conditions.
- Maintained a well-organized and efficient control room, contributing to seamless broadcast operations.
Columnist
Football Insiders
Tampa Bay, Florida, USA
09.2014 - 01.2017
- Reported on current sporting news.
- Met with editor to discuss assignments, due dates and publishing schedules.
- Published 2-3 editorial articles per week.
- Conducted a live chat with football fans every Friday.
Lincoln Football Color Commentator
KJLU
Jefferson City, Missouri, USA
08.2013 - 11.2014
- Provided on-the-spot commentary, news or play-by-play, and ensure that broadcasts run seamlessly.
- Interviewed sports personalities including coaches and players.
- Provided stats and information on athletes during broadcast.
- Assisted with production and board operation.
- Delivered real-time updates on scores, standings, and statistics to keep viewers informed throughout broadcasts.
- Implemented constructive feedback from producers to continuously improve on-air delivery style and technique.
- Developed strong on-air presence and contributed to the overall success of the broadcast through effective communication skills.
- Cultivated an enthusiastic tone while discussing play-by-play action, heightening viewer excitement levels consistently.
Sports Columnist
Full Scale Sports
02.2012 - 10.2014
- Wrote 3-4 news reports per day.
- Conducted weekly editorial articles
- Ensured all staff members are able to stick to deadlines, answer questions and ensure all content is covered.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO05.2017
Skills
- Microsoft Word
- Word Press
- Microsoft Outlook
- Brand representation
- Engaging personality
- Excellent communication abilities
- Quick Thinking
- Strong improvisation
- Exceptional communication
- Creative Writing
- Audience Engagement
- Social Media Promotion
Accomplishments
- Collegiate 100- Social Media Director.
- Interviewed NBA guard Ben McLemore.
- Covered NCAA South Regional in 2014.
- Covered Timberwolves-Heat 2016 preseason game.
- Interviewed NBA guard Alec Burks.
- Interviewed former NBA forward Willie Reed.
- Covered NCAA first and second rounds in 2016.
- Host of Mark My Words Podcast.
- Covered several Los Angeles Clippers games.
Timeline
On-Air talent
Extra Points Podcast
02.2022 - 07.2023
On-Air talent
Lakers Nation
10.2021 - Current
Podcast host/Columnist
Arrowhead Pride
07.2021 - Current
Social media influencer/columnist
Bovada
04.2021 - 07.2023
Columnist
Sports Talk 2319
09.2019 - 01.2021
Production Assistant
Fox Sports
08.2017 - Current
Columnist
Fansided
07.2016 - 01.2018
Board Operator
Learfield Communication
09.2014 - 03.2017
Columnist
Football Insiders
09.2014 - 01.2017
Columnist
Black Sports Online
08.2013 - 03.2020
Lincoln Football Color Commentator
KJLU
08.2013 - 11.2014
Sports Columnist
Full Scale Sports
02.2012 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Science - Journalism
Lincoln University