Broadcast Journalist/Manager
Innovative, customer-oriented broadcast communications professional with more than 18 years of top-caliber, progressively responsible experience. Leverages strong cross-functional background with emphasis on process improvements, marketing management, and program leadership to secure consistent results in competitive and challenging arenas.
Track record of success leading talent and using creative branding methods to drive business growth. Talent for delivering impactful and persuasive presentations to large and diverse audiences. Highly regarded motivator who aligns resources, inspires trust, promotes professionalism, and unleashes individual talents across all tiers of an organization.
Areas of Expertise
Internal & External Communications, Relationship Management, Workforce Leadership
Event Planning & Logistics, Audio Production, Problem Analysis & Resolution, Media Relations, Client Relations/Customer Service, Process Improvement & Redesign, Cost Management, Talent Management,Public Speaking/On Air Performance/Voice Acting
Professional Experience
Virtual News Center – www.virtualnewscenter.com 2011 to Present
Local Radio News Produced Remotely. Privately held company expanding into its 7th year of operation.
Feature Reporter & News Anchor
Outsourced news gathering and delivery. Curating, writing and producing local radio news in markets of all sizes, and delivering content for on-air, mobile, and web-based platforms.
Metro Networks/Westwood One – Boston, MA & Hartford, CT 2007 to 2011
Radio network previously managed by CBS Radio and Viacom, and later purchased by Clear Channel Communications.
Boston Operations Manager (2009 to 2011)
Retained and promoted through consolidation of 60 network operations into 13. Directed seamless transition of Hartford operations between New York and Boston offices while minimizing impact on affiliates. Acquired command of Metro Networks’ Boston hub, providing news, weather, traffic, and sports reports and information across broadcast, internet, and cellular platforms. Covered approximately 175 radio, TV, and newspaper outlets.
Organizational Leadership
Supervised 64 producers and anchors across 14 locations in 6 cities. Expertly managed affiliate relations while guiding staff and controlling operational quality. Communicated with staff daily to implement corporate initiatives regarding commercial copy, new procedures, and software updates. Controlled hiring and led trainings on software as well as affiliates' preferred on-air delivery styles. Conducted regular performance reviews.
Translated affiliate feedback into actionable plans for improvement. Enforced employee accountability to enhance productivity and strengthen rapport with affiliates. Placed key focus on aligning team efforts and fostering individual talents. Oversaw development of staffing options that avoided overtime and minimized overhead.
Andrew W. Dawson DrewWDawson@gmail.com ? Mobile: (413) 330-2264 ? Page 2
Successfully restructured workforce to promote diversity and teamwork.
Recognized by top executive for outstanding communication and professionalism.
Hartford Operations Manager (2007 to 2009)
Commanded P&L for unit serving 60 radio, TV, and newspaper outlets in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. Cultivated affiliate relations while leading 30 employees across 8 locations. Created and defended budget plans, and designed execution strategies.
Returned 38% of revenue to bottom line.
WEIB FM – Springfield, MA & Hartford, CT 2003 to 2007
Radio station specializing in smooth jazz programming.
Program Director/Air Talent
Hired to revive struggling operation and establish new and improved brand. Drove major initiatives to revitalize on-air product and marketing, as well as technical operations. Evaluated listenership to adjust imaging and packaging, and continually developed tactics for improving market share. Established station presence within the community. Coordinated events with local food pantries and youth programs, and orchestrated live music shows to create fellowship amongst listeners.
Project Management
Reengineered previously unorganized and unsustainable broadcast center equipment operations. Sourced capable suppliers and engineers, and oversaw project to completion. Alleviated maintenance issues by commissioning schematic for quick and efficient problem repairs, optimizing abilities to stay on the air.
Piloted project to update old and underperforming equipment. Researched products and services to bring station up to speed and proposed plan to owner. Partnered with engineers to obtain necessary equipment and monitored installation to ensure best practices.
Achieved 54% market share increase in the 12+ demographic within 3 years.
Authored documents necessary for license renewal.
KHVN AM – Dallas, TX 1993 to 2003
Radio station specializing in gospel and urban inspirational programming.
Program Manager/Air Talent
Propelled market share growth of AM station operating in large and highly competitive Dallas market. Directed all aspects of station on-air product, including daily 2-hour local news magazine/talk show hosted by veteran broadcast journalist. Spearheaded complete station redesign, architecting new facility to maximize workflow and simplify equipment maintenance. Created numerous signature events that generated strong ROI and garnered substantial exposure from media and new consumer base.
Achieved cume growth in 12+ and target demographics, and consistently ranked in top 3 of 7 competing stations – 5 of which were FM stations – despite size disadvantage.
Surpassed market’s AM Adult Urban station for first time in KHVN history.
Produced series of outdoor festivals that attracted more than 100K people.
Named one of radio’s 10 most influential people by leading industry trade publication.
Education
BS in Communications – Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
Coursework completed toward MBA – Texas A&M University – College Station, TX