Matthew Otstot
Madera,CA
Summary
Dynamic communications professional with extensive experience at the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, excelling in media relations and crisis communication. Proven ability in digital strategy and audience engagement, leveraging skills in video content creation and effective storytelling to enhance public visibility and foster community relationships.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Public Information Officer
Madera County Sheriff’s Office
Madera, California
06.2025 - Current
- Assist Sheriff Pogue with all media issues and requests, create (write and edit) content for all MCSO social media pages, and create video content (schedule, shoot, and edit) for social media.
- Managed media relations to effectively convey critical information to the community.
- Created press releases and media advisories for timely dissemination of news.
- Crafted social media content to enhance departmental visibility and public engagement.
- Collaborated with law enforcement personnel to ensure accurate information sharing.
District Director
Fresno Office of State Assemblyman Jim Patterson
Fresno, California
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Manage Fresno District Office and staff, and oversee all news releases, media relations and social media pages/content
- Coordinated community outreach programs to engage constituents and gather feedback.
- Facilitated meetings with local organizations to discuss community issues and solutions.
- Prepared briefing materials for the Assemblyman, summarizing key legislative topics.
- Collaborated with government agencies to address constituent concerns and inquiries.
- Organized events to promote civic participation and educate the public on legislation.
Morning News Anchor/Producer
KMJ 580 AM/105.9 FM
Fresno, California
03.2015 - 09.2023
- Write, edit, and broadcast all on-air news content for Fresno’s morning news, as well as the station website and social media accounts.
- Anchored live morning news broadcasts with clarity and confidence.
- Conducted interviews with local leaders and experts for community insight.
- Researched current events to provide accurate and timely news updates.
- Developed engaging segments that resonated with the audience's interests.
- Monitored social media channels for trending news topics and audience feedback.
- Engaged listeners through interactive discussions and listener call-ins during shows.
Associate Professor
California State University – Fresno
Fresno, CA
01.2020 - 05.2021
- MCJ-125 – Radio Journalism and Podcasting.
- Basic radio reporting, news structure, radio news content creation, and editing.
- Developed and delivered engaging course content for diverse student populations.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and feedback sessions.
Community Engagement Coordinator
Valley Children’s Hospital
Madera, California
08.2014 - 03.2015
- Create and oversee internal and external communications, liaise with visiting dignitaries and organizations, and supervise or produce internal videos and news releases for every hospital department.
- Developed relationships with local organizations to enhance community engagement efforts.
- Created informative materials for distribution in hospitals and community centers.
- Managed communication channels, including social media and newsletters, for outreach efforts.
News Anchor Reporter
KGPE CBS 47 (CBS)
Fresno, CA
11.2004 - 06.2009
- Write, edit, and report Live News and weather for the Central Valley
- Anchored live broadcasts covering breaking news and community events.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with local leaders and experts for feature stories.
- Researched and verified information for accuracy before on-air reporting.
- Collaborated with production teams to develop engaging news segments.
- Engaged with the audience through social media to enhance viewer interaction.
- Mentored junior reporters in storytelling techniques and on-camera presence.
Public Affairs Officer
City of Fresno
Fresno, California
01.2003 - 08.2004
- Oversee media, online content, and communications for the office of the Mayor, the City Manager, and the majority of City Departments.
- Developed communication strategies for public engagement initiatives.
- Managed media relations to promote city events and initiatives.
- Facilitated training sessions for staff on effective communication practices.
- Monitored local media coverage to assess public perception of city actions.
- Cultivated relationships with members of the media to ensure proper coverage of organizational activities.
Anchor/TV Reporter
KSEE 24 (NBC)
Fresno, CA
07.2001 - 01.2003
- Write, edit, and report Live News and weather for the Central Valley
- Delivered news updates and anchored live broadcasts for diverse audiences.
- Conducted interviews with public figures and community leaders for feature segments.
- Researched current events and prepared scripts for accurate on-air delivery.
- Engaged with viewers through social media to foster community interaction.
- Presented breaking news coverage while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Mentored junior anchors and reporters in effective on-air presentation skills.
- Collaborated with production teams to enhance visual storytelling elements.
News Anchor Reporter
WTAJ TV-10 (CBS)
Altoona, PA
08.1998 - 07.2001
- Write, edit, and report Live News and weather for multi-county region within Central Pennsylvania
- Anchored live broadcasts covering breaking news and community events.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with local leaders and experts for feature stories.
- Researched and verified information for accuracy before on-air reporting.
- Collaborated with production teams to develop engaging news segments.
News Anchor Reporter
WHIZ AM-FM-TV (NBC)
Zanesville, OH
09.1997 - 08.1998
- Write, edit and produce news content for both television and AM-FM Radio
- Anchored live broadcasts covering breaking news and community events.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with local leaders and experts for feature stories.
- Researched and verified information for accuracy before on-air reporting.
- Collaborated with production teams to develop engaging news segments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Journalism
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA01.1997
Skills
- Media and crisis communications
- Creation of news releases
- Breaking news coordination
- Live spokesperson experience
- Digital strategy: social media management (Meta, X, Instagram, YouTube), video editing, and audience engagement
- Leadership and management: team supervision, strategic planning, budget oversight
- Technical: Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, audio editing platforms, AP style
- Community outreach
- Public speaking
- Creative storytelling
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Internal communications
- Website management
- Photography
- Speech writing
- Communications strategies
- Informational materials preparation
- Community engagement
- Communications development
- Multimedia production
- Communications management
- Social media expertise
- Community relationship building
- Writing, editing, and proofreading
- Media relations
- Detail-oriented
References
Furnished upon request
Awards
Winner – Best Radio Newscast Under 15 Minutes, Radio Television News Association of Southern California, Golden Mike Awards – 2019, 2020 & 2022
Volunteer Experience
Castle Air Museum, Member, Board of Directors (Vice Chairman), Atwater, CA, 2020, 2024
Languages
Spanish
Limited
French
Professional
German
Limited
Timeline
Acting Public Information Officer
Madera County Sheriff’s Office
06.2025 - Current
District Director
Fresno Office of State Assemblyman Jim Patterson
09.2023 - 01.2025
Associate Professor
California State University – Fresno
01.2020 - 05.2021
Morning News Anchor/Producer
KMJ 580 AM/105.9 FM
03.2015 - 09.2023
Community Engagement Coordinator
Valley Children’s Hospital
08.2014 - 03.2015
News Anchor Reporter
KGPE CBS 47 (CBS)
11.2004 - 06.2009
Public Affairs Officer
City of Fresno
01.2003 - 08.2004
Anchor/TV Reporter
KSEE 24 (NBC)
07.2001 - 01.2003
News Anchor Reporter
WTAJ TV-10 (CBS)
08.1998 - 07.2001
News Anchor Reporter
WHIZ AM-FM-TV (NBC)
09.1997 - 08.1998
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Journalism
Pennsylvania State University
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