User:Kategardiner

The thing about journalism

For the past six months I've been at not-for-profit journalism organizations, looking for ways to incorporate new technology in one of the most sacrosanct of media organizations: public media. What I've found is a decided inclination and a lack of resources to enact it.

Most recently, I've been playing the social media game at the PBS NewsHour, the recently rebranded and usually staid news program that is the backbone of so many local PBS stations. The process of shifting from a broadcast-only station that 'has a website' to an online-first broadcast that 'has a television show' is revolutionary in the public media space. We're bringing an amazing product - with more than 30 years of credibility - to an audience that's probably never been exposed to anything outside of mainstream media. It's a challenge - and it's one I'm happy to take on. We still want to be the best - we just want more people to see and recognize that fact.

In an internet era driven by metrics, analytics and social media, considering quality first is an unusual way to think. But it's the better way to think.

Our content not only informs the online community about any number of issues - it teaches. And that's one of the basic virtues of traditional journalism that I think mainstream media has abandoned. And it's something that I hope will change over the coming years, if only slightly, through my influence.

If you're curious about what I'm doing - where I'm going - or where I've been, pick a social media profile (to the right), try my blog, or send a tweet. I'm usually available. And I'm almost always listening.

--- Skills

Adobe CS4, Web 2.0 technologies. Google suite. Social media. PR/promotion. Basic French, some Spanish. Photography. AP Style. Reporting. Editorial. Management.

Experience

Freelance pieces in newspapers and online across the country. (Links on the left)

The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer Feb. 2010-present Social Media Developing comprehensive web strategy as first ever social media desk assistant. Goals include driving interaction and audience to a legacy broadcast outlet in a post-internet era.

WBEZ NewsDesk Oct. 2009-Feb.2010 Intern-Reporter Reporting breaking news for morning and afternoon broadcasts; photography; blogging. Helped organized the first-ever WBEZ live chat during the Feb. 2 primaries attended by more than 1,000 unique visitors and featuring, among others, Gov. Pat Quinn.

Chicagoist.com Feb.-Oct. 2009 Politics, general reporter; photographer

The Molokai Times: Aug. 2007-July 2008 -Reporting beats: zoning, planning, development, legislature, environment -Digital photography, website management, design, multimedia creation, editing, live blogging -Radio: KMKK 102.3 FM news and Na Leo o Molokai, Molokai's own local music show (creator); stringer, Hawaiian Public Radio, KAOI radio group. On-island stringer for Miami Herald, Maui News, Honolulu Star Bulletin, Honolulu Advertiser -Advertising management for KMKK Molokai, Molokaitimes.com and The Molokai Times; Contract writer, organizer of successful bid to become state paper of record for the island of Molokai. Attended pre-bid conference as publisher's designee.

The Chitown Daily News: 2007-2008 Intern-reporter covering the Chicago Transit Authority; Community journalist

Lake Geneva Regional News Summers: 2005-06 -Filled in for various reporters; features, photos. Copyediting.

Earthmatters: Friends of the Earth, UK: Spring 2006 -Intern for green magazine; copyediting, fact-checking and website

Brandeis University newspapers: 2005-07 -The Brandeis Hoot, The Justice: series of food/wine columns, cultural events

Education

Northwestern University: Sept. 2008-2009 Medill School of Journalism M.S.J. (Interactive Journalism, Urban Affairs reporting), Certificate in Media Management from Kellogg School of Management

Brandeis University: Jan. 2004- May 2007 B.A. American studies Minors: Environmental Studies, Journalism, Film, Philosophy

Boston University: Jan.-May 2006 London Internship Program: Journalism

University of Stirling, Scotland: Sept.-Dec. 2003

Homewood-Flossmoor High School: Sept. 1999-May 2003

Oxford Advanced Studies Program: July 2001 Magdalen College, Oxford, England

Hobbies/Interests Cooking, horseback riding, writing, reading, music, farm management, swimming, biking. Travel.