PBS NewsHour

2016-Present

Vice President, Production Operations

Leads production operations for the PBS NewsHour, the PBS flagship daily news program. Responsibilities include daily production of PBS NewsHour, election coverage, debates and special programming; development of improved technical and broadcast work processes. Developed alternative, multi-faceted broadcast operations during Covid pandemic. 

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Speiser Consulting, LLC​

2015-2016

Principal

Specialized in operations and media advice to Fortune 500 companies, Speiser Consulting provided expertise in media relations, technical operations, business continuity, capital project management and organizational efficiency.

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CNN - Washington, DC

​2007-2015

Deputy Bureau Chief/Senior Director of Operations 

Directed daily operations of the 400-person CNN Washington bureau; oversaw $60 million operational budget and execution of all capital projects; supported news and digital operations. Project-managed an extensive series of renovations and creative initiatives.

 

• Managed repeated cost-cutting efforts to close annual budget shortfalls upwards of $10 million, including reducing hundreds of thousands of dollars in overtime, freelance and travel expenditures.

• Project managed buildout of multiple floors of office space to create productive  environment for CNN’s newsgathering and show staffs, resulting in better communications and coordination.

• Project managed a total overhaul of CNN’s Washington studios and control rooms.

• Instituted a new pricing approach to keep capital expenses to a minimum. 

• Conceived and executed creation of internal web site.

• Developed bureau’s  Business Continuity Plan, spearheading buildout of back-up power systems, creating infrastructure for emergency relocation and overseeing tests of contingency plans.

• A key player in leadership team charged with dramatically increasing the profile of CNN’s election coverage, involving more than $40 million and hundreds of network employees.  The cycle resulted in CNN beating all cable and broadcast networks in election ratings.  

• Spearheaded a series of innovations for the network, including the introduction of the so-called “Magic Wall," launch of the CNN "Virtual Studio" and executed use of the Empire State Building as a canvas for election night results.

 

2004-2006

​Director of Bureau Operations

Oversaw day-to-day operations of bureau, and served as strategic business adviser to Bureau Chief. 

 

• Successfully managed controversial project to consolidate CNN programming and update related technology. The project saved the network millions annually and resulted in a ratings boost with the launch of “The Situation Room.”

• Oversaw building and deployment of the CNN Election Express bus, used to cover politics across the US in the 2008, 2010 and 2012 election campaigns.

 

2002-2004

​Director of News Gathering

Led newsgathering operation, supervising staff of 100 producers, editors and camera crews and managed $12 million budget.

 

• Directed CNN Washington's newsgathering operation, covering the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the DC Sniper, Iraq War and anthrax attacks.

• Conceived and designed software application used throughout CNN to organize news coverage and production activities. The tool also produced financial and payroll data, enabling an internal allocation system saving millions of dollars annually.

• Redesigned and led renovation of CNN’s DC assignment desk in order to improve work environment and increase productivity.

 

2000-2002

Senior Producer
Responsibilities: Oversaw editorial production of CNN's White House coverage unit.

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ABC News, Washington, DC     1986-2000

Writer, Assignment Editor, Assignment Manager, Senior Producer

Rose from writer to assignment editor to senior producer at ABC News, serving on nearly all ABC News shows including, “World News Tonight,” “Nightline” and “This Week.”

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