Project: Winter Storm Wall-to-Wall Coverage on Jan. 25, 2026 – FOX61/CW20
Objective: Keep audiences informed and safe during a major winter storm by providing real-time updates across TV and streaming platforms, while maintaining high engagement and viewership.
Role & Strategy: As lead producer, I coordinated multi-platform coverage and guided a team through a fast-moving, high-stakes event. I developed a clear plan for linear TV broadcasts, streaming cut-ins, and interactive engagement, ensuring audiences had the information they needed when it mattered most.
Execution/Tactics:
- Pivoted quickly to wall-to-wall coverage with only 24 hours’ notice, extending my shift to 13 hours to manage all aspects of the broadcast.
- Produced 2.5 hours of continuous storm coverage, including live reports from across the state, real-time road conditions, and answers to viewer questions.
- Seamlessly transitioned coverage into a special edition of FOX61 News at 5:30 and later produced the Sunday 11 p.m. newscast, one of the highest-rated shows of the year.
- Oversaw hourly weather cut-ins on FOX61+, the station’s streaming platform, collaborating closely with meteorologists to deliver accurate, timely updates.
- Implemented interactive elements that allowed viewers to engage directly with the coverage, enhancing audience participation and satisfaction.
Outcome/Impact:
- Provided comprehensive, multi-platform coverage that kept audiences informed, safe, and engaged throughout the storm.
- Strengthened viewer trust and loyalty through accurate, responsive reporting and interactive engagement.
- Demonstrated effective leadership and team coordination under high-pressure conditions, including mentoring crew members covering their first winter storm.
Key Takeaways:
- Rapid pivoting and strategic planning are critical in high-pressure communications situations.
- Multi-platform storytelling and audience interaction increase engagement and impact.
- Clear leadership and collaboration elevate team performance in crisis situations.
Team Acknowledgment: The full FOX61/CW20 crew delivered professional, flexible, and cohesive coverage across all platforms, highlighting the power of teamwork in communications.