Kristen Castillo Email and Phone Number

Freelance Writer/Editor/Producer for news and feature reports.Research, interview, write, edit and produce content for media including Creators Syndicate, House Digest, Daily Meal, Chicago Style Weddings, The New York Post, Mediaplanet’s supplements in “USA Today” and “The Los Angeles Times.”• Specializing in features such as food and dining trends; healthy living, weddings, inspirational people profiles, parenting, pets, the environment and real estate.• Proficient in many writing styles including how to articles, essays, Q & A, sidebars, and blogs, among others to meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Write and oversee the editorial content for this regional wedding magazine, which has an annual circulation of 40,000. Research, conduct interviews and write articles, as well as gather production elements such as high-resolution photos.

Responsibilities included writing articles and press releases; promoting Healthy Dining and its partners in the media; and encouraging a healthier generation through Healthy Dining's Schoolicious program, for which Kristen handled social media and wrote content.

Developed, researched, field produced, and wrote consumer and investigative stories, as well as provided research and investigative support for daily news operation.Produced reports on diverse topics such as product safety, the environment, the real estate and automotive industries, as well as a nationally honored report on hate crimes. Worked directly with a team of seven, and closely collaborated with other departments such as operations and promotions, as well as outside organizations like The San Diego Union-Tribune. Responsible for explaining complex material in a clear, easy-to-understand manner; overseeing investigations interns.Conducted surveillance; shot and edited video as needed; oversaw story production including interviews, graphic and editing. Wrote and posted news reports and blogs to the web.Experienced in Freedom Information Act requests, computer assisted reporting.Successfully handled sensitive information and situations; protected the anonymity of confidential sources.Demonstrated the ability to work with politicians and interest groups while maintaining issue neutrality.

Generated and assigned news stories, coordinated reporter/photographer coverage and handled multiple news gathering tasks.Pitched story ideas, researched stories and scheduled interviews;Worked closely with reporters, photographers, and producers;Monitored police and fire scanners for newsworthiness;Reviewed phone, email, fax news tips and news releases for news stories; Coordinated live shots and satellite interviews/feeds;Conducted interviews in the field and wrote news stories for broadcast.

Research, formulate and develop stories along side of producers and associate producers for ABC News programs, including 20/20. I went undercover on a consumer news report.