Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sheila McLain Ballard

Summary

I have worked in the news field for over 35 years, as a reporter, writer, editor and manager, navigating the evolution from tape editing to digital to web-based and social media platforms.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant News Director

WTOK-TV
01.2000 - Current
  • Reviewed daily newscasts to drive quality control and brand touchpoints.
  • Oversaw production of newscasts and special programming.
  • Wrote copy and edited scripts for on air and digital.
  • Created tactics and strategies to increase customer visits to social media platforms.
  • Worked with news director and other managers to establish newsroom goals and develop and further station's news brand.
  • Wrote and delivered multiple daily pieces in deadline-driven environment.
  • Oversaw development of as many as stories each week.
  • Assisted team members with researching stories, finding guests and conducting interviews.
  • Assigned stories, delegated work and edited pieces.
  • Collaborated with various teams to uncover issues, identify applicable solutions, and offer guidance.

Multimedia Journalist

WMDN-TV
12.1996 - 11.1999
  • Pitched stories to editorial staff in content areas of news, sports and entertainment.
  • Took photos and videos for broadcast publication.
  • Fact-checked videos and articles before publishing.
  • Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
  • Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues.
  • Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
  • Collaborated with editors and other staff members to refine story angles and content.
  • Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
  • Presented developments in stories in live broadcasts and recordings.
  • Anchored newscasts
  • Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
  • Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
  • Deployed to news events locales to provide on-the-ground broadcast solutions and news coverage.

News Director

WOKK-FM
12.1989 - 11.1996
  • Wrote and delivered multiple daily pieces in deadline-driven environment.
  • Oversaw development of as many as twenty news stories each week.
  • Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
  • Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
  • Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
  • Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
  • Deployed to news events locales to provide on-the-ground broadcast solutions and news coverage.
  • Anchored newscasts with good ratings

News Anchor/producer/reporter

WTZH-TV
11.1987 - 11.1989
  • Collected data from various sources to determine facts and opinions and fashioned into cohesive story for television or radio broadcast.
  • Collaborated with producers and management to develop newscasts, promotions and teases.
  • Deployed to news events locales to provide on-the-ground broadcast solutions and news coverage.
  • Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
  • Edited, proofread and fact-checked content for accuracy.
  • Reported from field locations and wrote stories under tight deadlines.
  • Developed relationships with sources and contacts to gain additional insight.
  • Attended press conferences and other media events to gather relevant information and quotes for stories.
  • Anchored daily newscasts
  • Presented developments in stories in live broadcasts and recordings.
  • Collaborated with editors and other staff members to refine story angles and content.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting

Tennessee Temple University
Chattanooga, TN

Skills

  • Editing Skills
  • Leading Teams
  • Production Expertise
  • Interviewing Skills
  • Event Coverage
  • Dependability and Cooperation
  • Attention to Detail
  • FCC Compliance

Timeline

Assistant News Director

WTOK-TV
01.2000 - Current

Multimedia Journalist

WMDN-TV
12.1996 - 11.1999

News Director

WOKK-FM
12.1989 - 11.1996

News Anchor/producer/reporter

WTZH-TV
11.1987 - 11.1989

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting

Tennessee Temple University

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Sheila McLain Ballard