STEPHEN DAW
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Creative and motivated culture journalist with 10 years of experience in the field. Excels at compelling storytelling, in-depth research, detailed editing, audience development and cultivating diverse perspectives in the entertainment industry. Currently seeking new opportunities to tell meaningful stories through top-tier writing and editing.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Pride Editor
Billboard
02.2023 - 12.2025
- Edited and oversaw all editorial content for Billboard’s LGBTQ+-focused section.
- Worked daily news shifts, editing and coordinating news stories from across all genres and sections of the website.
- Collaborated with other editors to strategize editorial content and drive web traffic.
- Collaborated with writers to refine narratives and improve storytelling quality across articles.
Staff Writer
Billboard
02.2019 - 02.2023
- Developed engaging articles and features on music trends and industry news, especially involving the intersection of LGBTQ+ culture and music.
- Collaborated with editors to refine content and ensure alignment with publication standards.
- Wrote a 2022 cover story on Sam Smith looking back on their career & coming out journey.
Freelance Journalist
Multiple Publications
05.2016 - 02.2019
- Pitched and wrote features and trend pieces across multiple entertainment outlets.
- Conducted in-depth research to produce accurate and compelling news articles across diverse topics.
- Cultivated relationships with publicists, A&R reps and executives throughout the music industry.
Education
Bachelor's of Journalism - Print & Digital News Reporting
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO05-2017
Skills
- Writing & research
- Editing & proofreading
- Search engine optimization
- AP Style
- Attention to detail
- Clear communication
Awards
2024 GLAAD Media Award
- Won in the Outstanding Print Article category for Billboard's 2023 June cover story, "As Drag Bans Proliferate, Maren Morris Goes Deep With Drag's Biggest Stars on Why the Show Must Go On"
2024 Los Angeles Press Club
- Won second place in the Activism Journalism — Print for Billboard's 2023 June cover story.
Timeline
Pride Editor
Billboard
02.2023 - 12.2025
Staff Writer
Billboard
02.2019 - 02.2023
Freelance Journalist
Multiple Publications
05.2016 - 02.2019
Bachelor's of Journalism - Print & Digital News Reporting
University of Missouri