Zahriah Balentine
Harrisburg,PA
Summary
Accomplished Public Safety and Community News Reporter skilled in investigative reporting and interviewing. Generates over 2 million digital content views annually through compelling storytelling and community engagement. Translates complex information into accessible news while building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders across central Pennsylvania.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Safety and Community News Reporter
PennLive/Patriot News
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
01.2021 - Current
- Developed clear and accurate messaging under deadline pressure while covering breaking news across central Pennsylvania, including crime, public safety incidents and severe weather events, adhering to AP style standards.
- Led post-breaking news field investigations by canvassing communities, securing resident interviews and uncovering new angles for follow-up coverage.
- Translated complex public safety information into concise, audience-focused news writing.
- Covered community-focused stories in the Harrisburg area, reporting on local concerns, public sentiment and profiling leaders making meaningful contributions.
- Interviewed diverse stakeholders, community members and leaders, ensuring balanced representation of perspectives.
- Built and maintained professional relationships with law enforcement agencies, emergency management officials, public information officers and local leaders throughout the Harrisburg region.
- Monitored developing stories, verified information quickly and corrected inaccuracies.
- Reported on local and state primary and general elections, conducting on-site interviews with voters and political leaders to assess public opinion and craft timely, audience-focused political coverage.
- Compiled official election results across central Pennsylvania during primary and general elections.
- Published breaking news and investigative stories that generated over 2 million digital content views yearly, contributing to increased subscriptions.
- Reported on high school sports events throughout central Pennsylvania during fall 2022.
Editorial Internship
WJTV Channel 12 News
Jackson, Mississippi
02.2020 - 05.2020
- Researched and identified compelling stories and elements to enhance broadcast appeal.
- Coordinated communication with studio crew and anchors during live broadcasts.
- Managed broadcast timing to ensure compliance with scheduled segments.
Staff Writer
Jackson State University Blue & White Flash Newspaper
Jackson, Mississippi
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Researched and conducted interviews, crafted unbiased news stories, ensuring timely delivery to meet publication deadlines.
- Collected and developed stories for weekly paper, collaborating with editor and staff writers to enhance content quality.
- Photographed images and created captions, providing context and enhancing visual storytelling for articles.
Reporter/Teleprompter
Jackson State University Tiger Report
Jackson, Mississippi
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Designed and edited news scripts for anchors, ensuring timely delivery of relevant stories.
- Developed and wrote engaging news stories that informed and resonated with audience.
- Utilized advanced editing and photography tools to enhance overall storytelling quality.
Internship
WJSU 88.5 Radio Station
Jackson, Mississippi
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Brainstormed unique, engaging content to enhance audience engagement.
- Coordinated with producers to write and record audio clips for diverse media platforms.
- Wrote and edited press releases to effectively communicate key messages.
Script Writer
Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Scripted a narrative that formed the basis of the documentary.
- Crafted a comprehensive narrative on the 1970 Gibbs Green Shooting at Jackson State University, highlighting its historical significance.
- Integrated visual elements with plot and dialogue to enhance narrative engagement.
- Conducted interviews and gathered research to substantiate documentary content.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Media Studies, Political Science
Jackson State University
Jackson, MississippiSkills
- Investigative reporting
- Photojournalism
- Press release writing
- Story pitching
- Creative storytelling
- Digital publishing
- Research development
- Social media expertise
- Community relations
- Effective interviewing
- Public speaking
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication
Leadership Experience
- PennLive/Patriot News: Leveraged media and public communications experience to serve as a speaker at annual recognition events, assisting in event coordination and delivering award presentations aligned with strategic messaging while engaging constituents, community leaders and media. Hosted a virtual Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy event in Fall 2022 to educate student-athletes and families on endorsement opportunities and compliance considerations.
- Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ) chapter at Jackson State University, 2019-2020: Conducted meetings in the president's absence, provided written report of goals and achievements to the board of directors before quarterly meetings and kept up to date on the developments in the organization's field.
Timeline
Public Safety and Community News Reporter
PennLive/Patriot News
01.2021 - Current
Editorial Internship
WJTV Channel 12 News
02.2020 - 05.2020
Internship
WJSU 88.5 Radio Station
08.2019 - 12.2019
Script Writer
Jackson State University
01.2019 - 12.2019
Staff Writer
Jackson State University Blue & White Flash Newspaper
01.2016 - 01.2020
Reporter/Teleprompter
Jackson State University Tiger Report
01.2016 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Media Studies, Political Science
Jackson State University