Thomas Barnas Jr.
Multi-Skilled Broadcast & Events Producer
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Multi-Skilled Producer with extensive experience at CBS, specializing in live broadcasting and digital content creation. Successfully spearheaded major events, driving a remarkable 50% increase in social media engagement. Demonstrates expertise in innovative storytelling and SEO, utilizing Asana for efficient project management. Known for transforming concepts into engaging content that strengthens audience connection.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Multi-Skilled Producer
CBS
Chicago, United States
10.2023 - Current
- Supervised live news production activities emphasizing precise attention to audio and visual elements.
- Manage events within allocated budgets, ensuring the implementation of best practices for seamless execution in both pre and post-production phases
- Partner with station stakeholders to lead major live events annually.
- Allocated resources appropriately to meet the unique needs of each event.
- Facilitated pre-production meetings with key stakeholders to ensure successful execution.
- Created, filmed, and edited news content for broadcast and digital release.
- Directed daily on-set activities including schedule management, issue resolution, budget monitoring and creative choices.
Digital Content Creator
Stories From The 78
Chicago, United States
08.2022 - Current
- Host, creator, and producer of Stories From The 78, I delve into the rich tapestry of Chicago – a city that extends beyond the familiar North and South Sides
- Uncovered fresh stories within Chicago's 77 distinct neighborhoods.
- 78th community now taking shape, nearing the unveiling of another chapter in this vibrant city's evolution.
Director, Multimedia Production & Strategy
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
Chicago, United States
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Led multimedia production for global offices, including Chicago, Canada, Korea, and Israel.
- Produced diverse media content including DRTV and social-first videos for multi-platform distribution.
- Created mission-driven videos that showcased dramatic, spiritual, and inspirational connections with donors.
Digital Feature Reporter / Special Events
WGN TV
Chicago, United States
01.2021 - 09.2022
- Enterprise, curate and produce, edit and host all stories for wgntv.com and WGN TV social media platform
- Stories can be found at wgntv.com/chicagoscene, WGN News Now, and posted on WGN Morning News Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook platforms with an average audience of 50,00 views a month
- Special events range from 200-12,000 attendees - WGN Block Party, Back to School Kids Fair, WGN Food Drive, WGN Toy Drive, WGN St Patrick's Day and Chicago sport team rallies
Social Media Producer / Special Events Producer
WGN TV
Chicago, United States
05.2017 - 01.2021
- Curate and produce content for WGN Morning News social media channels leading to over 50 percent increase in Share Rocket scores, and over 50 percent increase in followers across all Morning News social platforms
- Set goals, measure, analyze and report results across dayparts
- Produce special live events; WGN TV Back To School Kids Fair, Toy Drive, Food Drive, Block Party, St
- Patrick's Day, Rock N Roll Breakthrough Band Contest, and Sports Rallies
Around Town Producer / Special Events
WGN TV
Chicago, United States
09.2013 - 05.2017
- Book and produce daily (out in the field) segment
- This segment was 5 days a week, 7 hits a day, all over the city
- We used this segment to help tell Chicago's story
Midday News Segment Producer
WGN TV
Chicago, United States
01.2008 - 09.2013
- Book and produce guest segments for WGN Midday News
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2002
Skills
- Live Broadcasting
- Digital Content Creation
- Digital Video Editing
- Innovative Story Crafting
- Asana software
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Social media analytics
- Social media content campaigns
Hobbies and Interests
- Concerts
- Travel
- Vinyl
- Movies
- Softball
Extracurricular Activities
Member, The Recording Academy, Chicago, IL, 09/01/15, Present Illinois Advisory Council Member, National Lewis University, Chicago, IL, 01/01/22, Present
Affiliations
- Vinyl Record Collector
- Comic Books
- Vintage Memorbilia
Accomplishments
- Employee of the Month at WGN TV
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Multi-Skilled Producer
CBS
10.2023 - Current
Director, Multimedia Production & Strategy
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
09.2022 - 09.2023
Digital Content Creator
Stories From The 78
08.2022 - Current
Digital Feature Reporter / Special Events
WGN TV
01.2021 - 09.2022
Social Media Producer / Special Events Producer
WGN TV
05.2017 - 01.2021
Around Town Producer / Special Events
WGN TV
09.2013 - 05.2017
Midday News Segment Producer
WGN TV
01.2008 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Illinois State University
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