FRED KUUKU SMITH
Broadcast Journalist/Editor
ACCRA-NORTH
Summary
CAREER SUMMARY 26 years of diversified and progressive broadcast journalism experience. Skilled in News reporting, Disk jockey, announcing, anchoring and programme production. Quality-driven Editor with superior attention to detail and meet stringent deadlines. Superior proficiency in writing guidelines and captions. Results-focused News Editor with 26 years of experience and expertise in coordinating, assembling, producing and publishing tailored content. Excellent communication, planning and problem-solving abilities with forward-thinking approach. Track record of obtaining coveted interviews and capturing breaking new stories.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Editor
Multimedia Group LTD (Joy FM, JoyNews, myjoyonline.com)
03.2016 - Current
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes, and approved final versions for publication.
- Led and managed multiple projects from conceptual stage through to launch.
- Checked reference sources to verify dates, facts and statistics.
- Posted and promoted articles on social media platforms to engage target audience.
- Devised attention-grabbing headlines and summaries to increase clicks and engagement.
- Selected and edited photos for use in diverse projects.
- Collaborated with graphics department to develop and implement visual elements.
- Pitched content strategies and managed asset acquisition.
Editorial Writer
Class FM
11.2015 - 03.2016
- Researched and gathered information to develop accurate and credible stories.
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for Internet and digital channels.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current events and industry trends.
- Collaborated with editors and other journalists to create compelling content.
Editor
Joy FM
03.2013 - 11.2015
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Reviewed articles for grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, accuracy, and compliance with quality standards.
- Determined readiness of written pieces, made changes, and approved final versions for publication.
- Led and managed multiple projects from conceptual stage through to launch.
- Checked reference sources to verify dates, facts and statistics.
- Communicated directly with writers to collaboratively assess work and guide editorial improvements.
Assisting Editor, Producer, Head of Health Desk
05.2009 - 02.2013
- Accra
- BJ/Anchor
- Responsible for Parliamentary reports, anchoring eBusiness Journal etc.
Broadcast Journalist
Happy 98
06.2005 - 05.2009
- Wrote pieces and news stories for online publication, coordinating images and layout to deliver proper presentation.
- Produced stories for broadcasting across TV, radio and digital platforms.
- Worked collaboratively with camera crew shooting in locations, optimizing story visualization for diverse viewers.
- Conducted comprehensive research and developed targeted questions for use in guest interviews.
- Delivered latest content, news and information to highly diverse audiences of over [Number] people.
- Prepared and delivered wide range of reports, covering topics.
- Participated in editorial meetings to discuss story ideas and content.
- Collaborated with editors and other staff members to refine story angles and content.
- Presented developments in stories in live broadcasts and recordings.
- Deployed to news events locales to provide on-the-ground broadcast solutions and news coverage.
- Disseminated news content through social media for better engagement with audiences and faster reporting.
- Researched and analyzed newsworthy events, trends and issues.
Presenter
Top Radio
11.2000 - 05.2002
- Rehearsed scripts to present a fluid and error-free program.
- Improvised live interviews and guest phone calls.
- Researched trending features to include on-air.
- Wrote and scripted show prior to air for approval by management.
- Operated technical equipment such as radio desks and soundboards.
- Read from autocue for wording accuracy when necessary .
- Met guests before program to discuss outline of interview.
- Built broadcast storylines to interest listeners and grow station audience.
- Interviewed show guests and moderated discussions.
- Engaged with audience members through telephone calls and personal commentary on musical selections, political happenings, and other items of interest.
- Researched topics for comment and discussion.
- Read prepared scripts for radio and television shows.
- Played music tracks from playlists provided by station management.
- Announced station programming information, schedules and station breaks.
- Answered listener calls regarding song requests, giveaways and commentary.
Radio Univers
08.1998 - 11.2000
- 105.7 FM - Legon, Accra
- Delivered newscasts, announcements and compiled broadcast scripts
- Presenter, Tuesday “Lunch Spice”
- Worked on wraps and actualities
- Announcer, AITEC 2000
- Reported major international conferences
- Produced “Obiara Nkabi” and DJ Black’s “week-end teaser”
Reporter
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
11.1997 - 06.1998
- Supervised strictly by Mr
- Sibiru Ziblim and Theo Agbam among other experienced journalists at the GBC today
- Helped in the production of news bulletins
- Worked on wraps and actualities Sub-Saharan Informer newspaper
- Reporter.
Education
Broadcast Journalism Certificate One year hand-on training in radio journalism at Radio Universe -
communications Studies, University of Ghana
No Degree - Data Journalism
Ghana Institute of Journalism
Accra, Ghana11.2021
Diploma - Journalism, Broadcast
Pinnacle University College
Accra, Ghana07.2020
Diploma - Media and Communications
Manifold College
1999
Skills
- Problem Identification
- Managing Media
- Video Editing
- Assigning Stories
- Maintaining Standards
- Preparing Templates
- Story Pitching
- Breaking News
- Content Planning
- Story Summaries
- Editorial Policy Making
- Administration and Management
- Writer Interviewing and Hiring
- Studio Broadcasts
- Date and Statistics Verification
- Story and Content Idea Development
- Social Media Updates
- Microsoft Office
- Source Building
- Graphics and Photo Imaging
- Source Interviewing
- Keen Eye for Detail
- Editing
- Generating Headlines
- Communications and Media
Accomplishments
- The World Banks Investigative Reporting course
- The World Bank’s Business & Finance Reporting course
- International Labour Organisation (I L O) training on production and broadcast techniques for small business radio programme
- Health Reporting - Morehouse School of Medicine
- IT skills
- MAJOR WORKS:
- Full coverage of Ghana’s General elections in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012
- Investigated pornographic cartel in the Akuapim Ridge of Ghana and exposed those behind it
- Full Coverage of US Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Obama during their visits to Ghana
- Professional affiliation
- Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
- Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ)
- Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC)
- Fellow, Bio sciences for Food in Africa
Timeline
Editor
Multimedia Group LTD (Joy FM, JoyNews, myjoyonline.com)
03.2016 - Current
Editorial Writer
Class FM
11.2015 - 03.2016
Editor
Joy FM
03.2013 - 11.2015
Assisting Editor, Producer, Head of Health Desk
05.2009 - 02.2013
Broadcast Journalist
Happy 98
06.2005 - 05.2009
Presenter
Top Radio
11.2000 - 05.2002
Radio Univers
08.1998 - 11.2000
Reporter
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
11.1997 - 06.1998
Broadcast Journalism Certificate One year hand-on training in radio journalism at Radio Universe -
communications Studies, University of Ghana
No Degree - Data Journalism
Ghana Institute of Journalism
Diploma - Journalism, Broadcast
Pinnacle University College
Diploma - Media and Communications
Manifold College
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