Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic

Kathleen Ferguson

Balmain

Summary

Award-winning journalist with a passion for creative and informative storytelling which fosters curiosity and has impact. I am hardworking and reliable with a track record for conceptualizing and developing engaging stories, having an eye for detail and always going the extra mile for the team. I am notoriously enthusiastic, bringing energy and positivity to every task; no challenge is too big. I am a proven self-starter, working on my own in outback NSW, and working extremely effectively in a team delivering high quality coverage in stressful environments. I have taken extreme pride in recently raising money for youth mental health, and reporting on issues including extreme weather, the NDIS royal commission, breakthroughs in marine biology and local councils working to mimic natural environments to prevent fish kills. I have exceeded expectations in all my roles and take pride in being an effective and respectful communicator with my colleagues. Being a good colleague is one of my greatest attributes. I am also proud to be a skillful storyteller.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Audio Current Affairs Journalist/Supervising Producer

ABC
09.2023 - Current
  • Developed strong relationships with sources, leading to exclusive interviews.
  • Collaborated with editors to refine content, ensuring clarity and accuracy while adhering to strict deadlines.
  • Mentored junior reporters, providing guidance on effective interviewing techniques and story development strategies.
  • Covered high-profile events such as political elections and natural disasters, providing timely updates to audience.
  • Wrote, edited and produced stories for digital channels, such as the ABC Listen App.
  • Performed research and checked facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity.
  • Provide editorial leadership in day to day audio news.
  • Proof and publish stories from the national, international and Canberra Parliament Houses news desks.


Video Journalist and Senior Story Producer

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
12.2021 - 09.2023
  • Researched, filmed and edited stories for programs such as the ABC 7PM news, Weekend Breakfast and social media, including Facebook.
  • Captured and edited photos using Adobe program Light Room.
  • Manage audio and visual assets for my work and the work of other journalists I help produce work for.
  • Wrote, edited and produced stories for multiple platforms, including Internet and digital channels.
  • Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships with community leaders, businesses and other journalists.

Story Producer

NSW Department Of Education
06.2021 - 11.2021
  • Presented story ideas and determined creative scenarios for production and delivery.
  • Devised and implemented strategies to improve audience reach and develop better relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Remained composed and highly professional in fast-paced and constantly changing environment, effectively handling challenging situations and difficult individuals to achieve objectives.
  • Coordinated shoots and pre-interviewed talent to ensure stories got over the line.
  • Maintained relationships with community and journalists to bolster coverage.
  • Helped deliver a strategy aimed at elevating stories around women in non-traditional roles with a focus on diverse voices.
  • Was asked to lead my team in a relieving position three months into my role.

Journalist

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
08.2020 - 06.2021
  • The same duties as current role

Video Journalist

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
02.2018 - 07.2020
  • Handled day-to-day running of the newsroom for long periods, ensuring high levels of productivity and progression.
  • Provided editorial supervision to four journalists, ensuring accurate and timely storytelling.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere.
  • Built and maintained contacts by travelling long distances to meet with community members and businesses.
  • Pitched and delivered original stories on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.

Video Journalist

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
10.2015 - 02.2018
  • Improved national content output as sole ABC Dubbo journalist.
  • Ensured processes in the newsroom were maintained, including document management systems and equipment.
  • Successfully set the agenda, with one of my positive stories being picked up by the New York Times.
  • Awarded an "Exceeds Expectation" in my appraisal.
  • Took responsibility for 12 council areas, reading their respective business papers each month to stay across local issues.
  • Worked with diverse people and communities.

Education

Bachelor of Communication - Journalism

Charles Sturt University
Bathurst, NSW
2016

Skills

  • A proficient communicator
  • Detail-oriented
  • Passionate learner
  • Leadership experience
  • Photography, videography and audio editing skills
  • Interviewing skills
  • Content Creation
  • Proficient at multi-tracking
  • Proficient audio gathering skills

Accomplishments

  • Won a Kennedy for Outstanding Regional Broadcasting in 2020.
  • Awarded an "Exceeds Expectations" in appraisals.
  • Had my photo licensed by an Australian women's magazine.
  • Used local community contacts to help land a media helicopter in rural NSW during bushfires.
  • Delivered a story which sparked an entire project on ABC 730 about an apprentice.
  • Wrote a story about a Mudgee family which inspired an anonymous person to donate $100,000 to the family's cause.
  • Recent praise for my ability to understand and communicate scientific concepts

Additional Information

Referees

Mike Edwards

Acting Executive Producer, AM

M: 0432 253 673

Stephen Smiley

Executive Producer, Hack

M: 0484 230 981




Timeline

Audio Current Affairs Journalist/Supervising Producer

ABC
09.2023 - Current

Video Journalist and Senior Story Producer

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
12.2021 - 09.2023

Story Producer

NSW Department Of Education
06.2021 - 11.2021

Journalist

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
08.2020 - 06.2021

Video Journalist

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
02.2018 - 07.2020

Video Journalist

Australian Broadcasting Corporation
10.2015 - 02.2018

Bachelor of Communication - Journalism

Charles Sturt University

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