KIRSTY THOMSON
Sydney,NSW
Summary
I am a passionate and skilled television executive with over 20 years of experience in the media industry in Australia and the UK. Currently the executive producer at 60 Minutes, Australia's leading current affairs program, I oversee the production of high-quality and impactful stories that inform, educate, and engage millions of viewers across the country and many more overseas. I have a keen eye for finding and developing stories/films that matter and a proven track record of delivering award-winning and ratings-winning content. I am always looking for new ways to innovate and improve the quality and reach of our program, as well as to collaborate with diverse and talented teams. I have overseen the growth of the 60 Minutes Australia YouTube channel, Australia's most successful news YT channel with nearly 5.6 million subscribers.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Producer
60 Minutes
Sydney, Australia
01.2016 - Current
- Executive producer at Australia's most-watched current affairs program, commissioning stories for Nine, 9Now, and YouTube.
- Since taking over in 2016, I have overseen the development of a long-form content creation department, commissioned and developed spin-off programs like 'Under Investigation', and produced a series of fast-turnaround documentaries on current events.
- Under my leadership, 60 Minutes has gone from winning two major journalism awards in 37 years to two a year. This year, our audience is up 10% on total TV and over 53% on BVOD alone.
- The program's reach is more extensive than ever, thanks to a forward-thinking digital strategy that places great content at the heart of everything we do. When I took over I started a digital strategy which included a YouTube channel which now has 5.6 million subscribers and is a key revenue driver for the program.
- I am able to review scripts for potential projects to determine the viability of production.
- I have developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders in the entertainment industry in Australia and overseas.
- Skilled in managing budgets and rather than cutting them in these tough times finding creative ways to do more from with the content we are creating.
Producer/ Chief of Staff
60 Minutes
, Australia
02.2008 - 02.2016
- Chief of Staff at Australia's leading long-form current affairs program.
- I managed a team of reporters, crews, and producers worldwide working on complex shoots.
- Generated original ideas and further developed ideas through research.
- Responsible for ensuring production deadlines are met and within budget.
- Collaborated with directors, writers, designers, cinematographers, editors, and other creatives throughout the production process.
- Responsible for ensuring the highest editorial standards at all times, including complex legal matters before publication.
Senior News Editor
BSkyB
London, UK
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Senior News Editor on the Home Desk at Sky News
- Responsible for running coverage of the day's news and coordinating the coverage of news events and breaking news, including General Elections, budgets, and breaking news events.
- Edited copy from reporters while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Maintained a comprehensive database of news sources and contacts.
- Coordinated coverage of breaking news events with reporters in the field.
- Ensured compliance with corporate policies related to journalistic standards.
Planning Editor
BSkyB
London, UK
04.2003 - 09.2005
- Senior planning editor responsible for organising coverage of upcoming major news events as well as day to day news.
Journalist
ITN
London, United Kingdom
07.2000 - 04.2003
- Broadcast journalist and Programme Editor, ITN News Channel
- Part of the launch team of the ITN News Channel
- Started as a producer then quickly moved into programme editor role and oversaw coverage of breaking news events such as 9/11 and the death of the Queen Mother.
Education
Master of Communications (Journalism) - Broadcast Journalism and communications
Charles Sturt University
12.1996
Bachelor of Arts - BA (Hons) - Political Science and Government
University of Sydney
12.1994
Skills
- Experienced Leader
- Strategic planning
- Staff Supervision
- Budget Management
- Story Development
- Content Development
- Script Writing
- Brand Management
- Creative Direction
- Talent Acquisition
Timeline
Executive Producer
60 Minutes
01.2016 - Current
Producer/ Chief of Staff
60 Minutes
02.2008 - 02.2016
Senior News Editor
BSkyB
01.2005 - 12.2007
Planning Editor
BSkyB
04.2003 - 09.2005
Journalist
ITN
07.2000 - 04.2003
Master of Communications (Journalism) - Broadcast Journalism and communications
Charles Sturt University
Bachelor of Arts - BA (Hons) - Political Science and Government
University of Sydney
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