Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Melanie Standiford

CURTIS,NE

Summary

Proven leader and innovative content creator, Melanie Standiford leveraged exceptional communication and social media marketing skills to grow Midwest Media by Melanie, engaging over 19,000 followers.

At Gray Media, KNOP-TV, Melanie enhanced audience engagement through dynamic content strategies, demonstrating unparalleled organizational skills and a commitment to journalistic integrity.

Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Midwest Media by Melanie

Melanie Standiford
10.2022 - Current
  • Midwest Media by Melanie began as a way to continue caring for the people of the community and beyond. It is not a job in the traditional sense, but the site has grown quickly, earning the respect of readers, while work stays true to sincerely held beliefs as a pro-life, confessional Missouri Synod Lutheran.
  • Melanie was fired from mainstream media for "practicing partisan politics" by being pro-life in church at St. John Lutheran in Curtis, Nebraska. Melanie started writing stories and sharing news, all while being "a voice for the people" from a Christian perspective.
  • Midwest Media by Melanie has over 19,000 followers on the site. Local law enforcement and businesses see Midwest Media as a reliable source of news and information. The Nebraska State Patrol and other agencies share press releases. Daily, requests are received to share news, fundraisers, and feel-good stories.

News Director

Gray Media, KNOP-TV
09.2017 - 09.2022
  • Oversaw development of as many as 30 news stories each week.
  • Increased audience engagement by developing dynamic content strategies tailored to specific target demographics.
  • Managed budget allocations for news department operations, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Wrote and delivered 5 daily pieces in deadline-driven environment.
  • Championed digital-first approach to news gathering, embracing emerging technologies for enhanced story delivery methods.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for staff members, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
  • Coordinated live event coverage, enabling timely reporting on breaking news stories as they unfolded.
  • Streamlined news production processes, resulting in faster turnaround times and more efficient workflows.
  • Negotiated contracts with freelance contributors, securing top-tier talent while controlling costs effectively.
  • Used various software to edit stories.
  • Maintained a high level of journalistic integrity through rigorous fact-checking procedures and adherence to ethical standards.
  • Oversaw the recruitment and training of new talent, ensuring a strong team of skilled journalists and producers.
  • Collaborated with reporters, producers, and editors to ensure cohesive messaging across all news platforms.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines and industry best practices in all newsroom operations, maintaining a reputation for excellence.
  • Assisted team members with researching stories, finding guests, and conducting interviews.
  • Boosted social media presence by focusing on shareable content and interactive features that drove viewer engagement.
  • Assigned stories, delegated work and edited pieces.
  • Navigated sensitive subject matter with tact, delivering balanced reporting that fostered informed public discourse.
  • Fostered a collaborative work environment by encouraging open communication among team members from various departments.
  • Enhanced news coverage quality by implementing innovative storytelling techniques and multimedia platforms.
  • Directed cross-functional teams in producing special projects such as investigative reports or documentary series.
  • Developed strategic partnerships with local organizations for exclusive stories and community outreach initiatives.
  • Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and improving overall team performance.
  • Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
  • Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
  • Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
  • Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues.
  • Collaborated with editors and other staff members to refine story angles and content.
  • Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
  • Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
  • Covered special events and breaking news with eye for detail and tenacious pursuit of important information.
  • Fact-checked breaking news headlines by performing background research.
  • Deployed to news events locales to provide on-the-ground broadcast solutions and news coverage.
  • Broadcasted and blind read copy for advertisements and breaking news developments.
  • Collaborated with producers and management to develop newscasts, promotions and teases.
  • Drafted news headlines for broadcasting to capture listeners with clear and condensed writing.
  • Presented developments in stories in live broadcasts and recordings.
  • Disseminated news content through social media for better engagement with audiences and faster reporting.
  • Planned and conducted research and pitched long-form stories to promote investigative news topics.
  • Coordinated with photographers, videographers and graphic designers to supplement stories with multimedia content.
  • Anchored popular broadcast program with good ratings and audience engagement.
  • Utilized SEO principles to optimize content for search engine rankings.
  • Selected material to develop interesting and professional presentations for different formats.
  • Hired new and upcoming journalists
  • Completed biweekly payroll and other office duties (there was no office manager the last year I was with the station).

Memories by Melanie

Melanie Standiford
10.2007 - 09.2022
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • As the sole employee of a business owned by me, I was responsible for all aspects of the business. Memories by Melanie was a successful portrait studio, photographing 2-5 clients a day (Monday-Friday) and weddings almost every weekend for years.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.

Education

Ph.D. - Forensic Psychology

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
01.2026

Master of Science - International Security And Intelligence Studies

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
12.2020

Bachelor of Science - Leadership

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
05.2017

Associate of Arts -

Mid Plains Community College
North Platte, NE
05.2015

Skills

  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Excellent Communication
  • Organizational Skills
  • Active Listening
  • Team Collaboration
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Reliability
  • Effective Communication
  • Goal Setting and Achievement
  • Self Motivation
  • Professionalism

Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 13 staff members.

Affiliations

  • Missouri Synod Lutheran Church

Additional Information

I was baptized into the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church as an infant in 1972. I have been actively involved in the church throughout my life. As a youth I belonged to youth groups and was confirmed at age 13. Over the years I have taught Sunday School, belonged to LWML, marched in Chicago and Washington D.C. in the Right to Life marches. I have served as a council member at St. John's in Curtis, Nebraska, on a floor committee in St. Louis, Missouri, and have been a delegate to Synod Convention twice.


My children have been raised in the church, and I am devoted to serving wherever I may. My son, Louie Doyle, is a freshman at Concordia University in Seward. Fun Fact - My grandmother's uncle (my 2X great uncle) was Dr. Louis Spitz (my dad is Louis, and so is my son - Louie).

Timeline

Midwest Media by Melanie

Melanie Standiford
10.2022 - Current

News Director

Gray Media, KNOP-TV
09.2017 - 09.2022

Memories by Melanie

Melanie Standiford
10.2007 - 09.2022

Ph.D. - Forensic Psychology

Walden University

Master of Science - International Security And Intelligence Studies

Bellevue University

Bachelor of Science - Leadership

Bellevue University

Associate of Arts -

Mid Plains Community College

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Melanie Standiford