SAMANTHA BENITZ
Simi Valley,CA
Summary
Accomplished writer with robust background in managing editorial teams and overseeing content strategy.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Editor/Writer (Remote)
Radar Online
04.2022 - Current
- Manage publication schedules and complete multiple edits
- Work with sources/publicists and review court docs to obtain weekly exclusives
- Report on pop culture and celebrity news
- Direct team to ensure projects with deadlines are met
- Superb ability to choose traffic-driving content
- Facilitate Zoom calls to enhance headlines and boost readership
- Streamline editorial workflow for improved efficiency and timely content delivery
Staff Writer/Reporter (Remote)
In Touch/Life &Style/Closer Weekly
05.2018 - 04.2022
- Wrote and produced up to six clean and compelling stories daily
- Used data insights and analytics to determine editorial calendar
- Researched content and crafted pitch ideas
- Updated Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on multiple sites
- Collaborated with editors to refine content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and cohesiveness for publication
Editor/Staff Writer/Reporter
Hollywood Life
07.2016 - 05.2018
- Published numerous articles about breaking celebrity news and beauty trends
- Led cross-functional teams through collaborative brainstorming sessions resulting in innovative content ideas
- Managed the site on weekends, reviewed copy and SEO for staff
- Conducted interviews and built a rapport with talent/PR teams
- Kept up-to-date on industry trends and emerging topics to ensure the relevancy of published materials
- Prepared and altered pieces to improve readability and impact
Host/Producer
AfterBuzz TV
09.2015 - 08.2018
- Developed content for after show network launched by former E! News anchor Maria Menounos
- Hosted live podcast and produced videos airing on YouTube
- Handled guest booking for celebrities, cast members and show runners
- Spearheaded panel interviews discussing popular network television programs
- Utilized social media platforms effectively for promotion and interaction with viewers
Intern
E! Online
04.2015 - 06.2015
- Wrote 3+ daily published articles often incorporated on TV
- Created photo galleries/embedded video archives for celebrity and film stories
- Researched celebrities for background information and questions to assist senior staff
- Developed and pitched story ideas to editors
- Assisted in E!'s rehearsals of Live from the Red Carpet
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Creative Writing
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA06.2015
Skills
- Clear communication and writing skills
- Outstanding at producing creative, interactive and informative stories
- Expert with social media trends
- Content strategy development
- Digital publishing
- Headline writing
Timeline
Senior Editor/Writer (Remote)
Radar Online
04.2022 - Current
Staff Writer/Reporter (Remote)
In Touch/Life &Style/Closer Weekly
05.2018 - 04.2022
Editor/Staff Writer/Reporter
Hollywood Life
07.2016 - 05.2018
Host/Producer
AfterBuzz TV
09.2015 - 08.2018
Intern
E! Online
04.2015 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Creative Writing
California State University, Northridge