PRISCILLA FORD
Assistant News Director
Fayetteville,AR
Summary
Strategic communications leader with over ten years of experience in managing multi-platform content operations and leading cross-functional teams. Expertise in high-accuracy writing, strategic storytelling, and brand management, with a focus on stakeholder collaboration. Proven ability to translate complex information into clear narratives that enhance institutional missions and public value. Results-oriented editor with a track record of increasing audience share and publication profits through meticulous news coverage management.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant News Director
KFSM 5NEWS
08.2024 - Current
- Led operations for team of approximately 40 journalists across nine counties.
- Oversaw content development and production for over 40 hours of weekly newscasts.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, assigning tasks to ensure quality standards.
- Wrote news stories, professional development presentations, SOP documents, and public relations responses.
- Established relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration.
- Supervised digital strategy, increasing daily engagement on 5NEWS+ streaming app to at least 200,000 minutes.
- Guided breaking news coverage to prioritize public safety during crises.
- Monitored industry trends to adapt programming strategies for improved audience engagement.
English Language Arts Teacher
Texas and Missouri Public School Districts
08.2015 - 07.2024
- Instructed hundreds in mastering English grammar and writing skills.
- Mentored new teachers on effective language arts instruction and classroom management practices.
- Communicated with parents regarding student performance and specific needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development to refine instructional techniques.
News Director, Assistant News Director, Executive Producer
TX
Wichita Falls
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Cultivated community relationships to drive engagement and support initiatives.
- Directed news team in producing compelling local content and timely reports.
- Oversaw newsroom operations, ensuring adherence to high journalistic standards and ethics.
- Managed staff schedules and assignments to optimize news coverage efficiency.
- Led editorial meetings to brainstorm story ideas and enhance reporting strategies.
- Assisted reporters in researching stories, selecting guests, and conducting interviews.
- Developed strategies to boost audience engagement in local and national news topics.
- Ensured compliance with FCC regulations on content standards and broadcasting procedures.
Education
Masters - Communications
University of Missouri-Columbia
MO05.2027
Graduate Certificate - Interactive Media
University of Missouri-Columbia
MO07.2026
Masters - Curriculum and Education
Southwest Baptist University
Bolivar, MO01.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls, TXWichita Falls, TX
Skills
- Effective communication
- Project management
- Content curation and oversight
- Storytelling
- Staff development
- Proofreading
- Press release writing
- English proficiency
- Organizational skills
- Project prioritization
- Deadline management
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven decision making
- Decision making
- Presentation delivery and training
- Relationship building
- Google applications
- Microsoft Office suite
- Edius software
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Content management systems
References
Blake Woolsey, Strategic Advisor, 479-957-6301
Timeline
Assistant News Director
KFSM 5NEWS
08.2024 - Current
English Language Arts Teacher
Texas and Missouri Public School Districts
08.2015 - 07.2024
News Director, Assistant News Director, Executive Producer
TX
01.2007 - 01.2015
Masters - Communications
University of Missouri-Columbia
Graduate Certificate - Interactive Media
University of Missouri-Columbia
Masters - Curriculum and Education
Southwest Baptist University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Midwestern State University