Résumé
To date, I have about 14 years of experience in the news industry. The vast majority of that has been in television. However, I have also worked in radio, digital media and magazine journalism.
Work Experience:
Reporter
July 2020 - Present
WGN (Chicago)
For the last 4 years, I have worked on stories across Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. After only 3 weeks on the job, I reported for 10+ hours in a helicopter as looting broke out across Chicago in August of 2020. That same month, I covered the shooting of Jacob Blake, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, along with the protests that followed. I've also taken on other major stories that include the botched raid of Anjanette Young's home, the trial of Jussie Smollett and destructive tornado touchdowns. I also cover traffic and fill in as an anchor when needed.
Reporter
October 2017 - January 2020
KUTV (Salt Lake City)
For over 2 years I was a nightside reporter at the CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City. I covered many wildfires, a house explosion and other stories of national importance, including the disappearance and subsequent manhunt for two missing teenagers, whose bodies were found in an abandoned mine. I was also central in our coverage of a murder on the University of Utah campus in 2018. The story of Lauren McCluskey received international attention.
Reporter
March 2015 - October 2017
News 12 (New York City)
I started with News 12 in March 2015 as an MMJ - after being told I'd never make it as a reporter in America. I hauled TV equipment across the Bronx and Brooklyn for many months, while also freelancing at sister-stations in other parts of New York, along with in New Jersey and in Connecticut. I was eventually hired on as a full-time reporter. Some of my most notable stories included extensive coverage of the 2016 presidential election and reaction to the result, which led to significant protests in Manhattan.
Producer
October 2013 - March 2015
KTVT (Dallas)
After immigrating to America, I got my first job this side of the Atlantic, at KTVT. I was initially hired as a freelance writer. I later started producing weekend shows and later became a full-time morning producer. In addition to boothing those newscasts, I also often did cut-ins on weather and breaking news.
D CEO Editorial Intern
August 2013 - October 2013
D Magazine (Dallas)
Upon initial arrival in the U.S., I took a temporary internship with a Dallas-based magazine, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with a different journalistic medium.
Reporter/Anchor
January 2012 - March 2013
Northern Sound Radio (Ireland)
Before moving to America, I was a newsreader for one of the radio stations in Ireland. I wrote and delivered hourly news bulletins, carried out interviews on various topics and helped deliver longer, in-depth news programmes daily. Some of my most memorable stories included interviewing Ireland's president during his visit to my hometown.
Reporter/Anchor
January 2012 - March 2013
Border Region Television (Ireland)
While simultaneously working full time in radio, I also freelanced as an MMJ for a local television station. There, I shot, wrote and edited my own pieces, covering several different counties.
Other Relevant Experience:
I have worked with the BBC and Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ. I have also held many other internships and freelance positions across all media platforms.
Education:
M.A. Broadcast Journalism
University of Sheffield (UK)
Dissertation: Sexualisation of Children in the Media
NCTJ Qualified with A grades in Court and General Reporting.
B.A. Combined Honors, Double Major, Psychology and Irish
University of Liverpool (UK)
Dissertation: The Effects of Television Advertising on Obesity
Graduated with upper class honors.