Melissa Knollinger
Wheeling,WV
Summary
Dynamic Account Executive with a proven track record excelling in campaign development and client consultation. Recognized for enhancing marketing strategies that drove significant revenue growth. Adept at performance analysis and relationship building, fostering trust with clients to achieve outstanding results in competitive media landscapes.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Executive
CBS Television Stations
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
02.2023 - 10.2025
- Consulted with local and national clients to develop competitive marketing campaigns for live linear television and OTT ad space across CBS Markets, Paramount Plus, and Pluto.
Analyzed research and performance metrics to optimize campaign placement and ensure effective monitoring.
Cultivated trusted advisor relationships with clients to enhance collaboration and campaign success.
Account Executive
Comcast Spotlight - Effectv
Wheeling, West Virginia
11.2014 - 02.2023
- Employed a consultative method to identify client marketing needs and create targeted campaigns.
Analyzed KPIs and conversion rates through real-time reporting to measure campaign performance.
Leveraged extensive knowledge of television, digital, and streaming sectors for effective marketing.
Established strong advisor relationships with clients to foster trust and ongoing engagement.
Account Executive
WTOV9
Steubenville, OH
01.2010 - 10.2013
- Leveraged two decades in television news to assist businesses with branding and marketing efforts.
Won The President’s Cup from Cox Broadcasting due to exceptional sales accomplishments.
Formulated a compelling business proposal that increased station sales significantly.
Provided clients with proven results through strategic marketing initiatives.
Managing Editor
WPXI-TV
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
06.2007 - 09.2009
- Directed daily editorial meetings to ensure cohesive news coverage.
Reviewed and approved show rundowns and scripts for broadcast accuracy.
Assigned reporters and managed live crews in the field for breaking news.
Achieved daily live ratings leadership through strategic content delivery.
Hired, coached, and evaluated staff of on camera and behind-the-scenes personnel.
Maintained a multi-million dollar operating budget with fiscal responsibility.
Oversaw transition to new building and automated control room system.
Sustained top ratings positions in daily newscasts during operational changes.
News Director
WTOV9
Steubenville, OH
04.2004 - 06.2007
- Drove hometown market newsroom to highest-rated newscasts across all dayparts.
Hired and mentored emerging talent, facilitating their advancement to top markets.
Enhanced overall presentation of newscasts, incorporating large market standards.
Achieved more Associated Press awards than any other West Virginia newsroom.
Secured multiple Emmy nominations during tenure.
Developed annual department plan and budget, ensuring resource alignment.
Presented vision and budget proposal for board approval at company headquarters.
Executive Producer
KDKA-TV, WPCW-TV, CBS Television
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
03.2002 - 04.2004
- Transformed newsroom operation to enhance speed and responsiveness to breaking news.
Led editorial meetings to drive strategic story coverage and improve audience engagement.
Assigned reporters and approved story lineups, scripts, and live presentations.
Achieved significant ratings growth and received multiple awards for outstanding live coverage.
Managing Editor
WPEC CBS 12
West Palm Beach, Florida
11.2000 - 03.2002
- Led editorial operations for Executive Producer, Producers, Reporters, and Anchors.
Created production schedules and monitored budgets to ensure efficient workflow.
Managed safe operations of station helicopter and live broadcast equipment.
Collaborated with talent consulting firm to analyze Nielsen data for strategic planning.
Developed actionable plans to increase ratings based on audience insights.
Executive Producer
Conus Newsfeed - First Business
Minneapolis, Minnesota
12.1999 - 11.2000
- Managed national newsfeed service producing content for global stations, including CNN and Fox News.
Executed production of daily nationally syndicated business newscast "First Business."
Oversaw operations for cable news network "All News Channel."
Supervised staff of over 30 personnel in Minneapolis, MN, and Washington D.C. bureau.
Producer
WSVN 7 News
Miami, Florida
11.1997 - 12.1999
- Produced top-rated newscast "Today in Florida," outperforming national programs like "The Today Show."
Oversaw daily operations with three anchors, two live shot reporters, and two helicopters.
Monitored breaking news to ensure timely reporting and audience engagement.
Maintained current events knowledge to enhance newscast relevance and competitiveness.
Producer
WKBD
Detroit, Michigan
01.1997 - 11.1997
- Produced one-hour 10 PM newscast in high-traffic news environment.
Monitored breaking news to ensure timely updates and continuous coverage.
Coordinated ongoing reporting on major stories to maintain audience engagement.
Producer
WEWS-TV
Cleveland, OH
06.1996 - 01.1997
- Produced "Good Morning Cleveland" for News Channel 5, the only non-leading newscast in its time slot.
Transformed show format by incorporating live and forward-looking leads.
Achieved significant ratings improvement within six months of producing the newscast.
Executive Producer
WTOV9
Steubenville, Ohio
11.1991 - 06.1996
- Transitioned from internship to roles including Reporter, Associate Producer, Production Technician, Creative Services Producer, Assignment Editor, and News Producer before promotion to Executive Producer and launch of station’s first and #1 rated 5pm newscast
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
West Liberty University
West Liberty, WV12-1992
Skills
- Campaign development
- Marketing strategy
- Performance analysis
- Client consultation
- Media buying
- Customer relationship management
- Negotiation skills
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Strategic planning
- Relationship building
- Research and analysis
- Lead development
- Revenue generation
- Business development
Accomplishments
Produced Newscast nominated for Regional Emmy award for “Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast”/ Philadelphia Chapter National Academy of Television Arts
Produced Newscast awarded “Best Regularly Scheduled Newscast”/ West Virginia Associated Press Broadcasters Association
Produced News Coverage awarded “Best Continuing Coverage”/ West Virginia Associated Press Broadcast Association
Produced News Coverage awarded “Best Continuing Coverage”/ Ohio
Cox Media Group 2011 President’s Circle Award Winner for Outstanding Sales
Comcast Spotlight 2014 Budget Buster
Affiliations
Ohio Valley Wellness Coalition –Board Member
Junior League of Wheeling Since 2010 – Current Sustaining Member, Former Chair of Marketing/P.R. and Website Management and Co – Chair to Rebuild and Renovate the Janie S. Altmeyer Playground at Heritage Port. I worked with Elected Officials and Volunteers to secure over $150,000 in grants and donations to complete the playground.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Account Executive
CBS Television Stations
02.2023 - 10.2025
Account Executive
Comcast Spotlight - Effectv
11.2014 - 02.2023
Account Executive
WTOV9
01.2010 - 10.2013
Managing Editor
WPXI-TV
06.2007 - 09.2009
News Director
WTOV9
04.2004 - 06.2007
Executive Producer
KDKA-TV, WPCW-TV, CBS Television
03.2002 - 04.2004
Managing Editor
WPEC CBS 12
11.2000 - 03.2002
Executive Producer
Conus Newsfeed - First Business
12.1999 - 11.2000
Producer
WSVN 7 News
11.1997 - 12.1999
Producer
WKBD
01.1997 - 11.1997
Producer
WEWS-TV
06.1996 - 01.1997
Executive Producer
WTOV9
11.1991 - 06.1996
Bachelor of Science - Communications
West Liberty University