Mark Zonca Email & Phone Number

Tampa, Florida, United States

• Plan and execute the vision of the news department in day-to-day news coverage and planned content in all newscasts on multiple platforms during major breaking news and continuous live weather events.• Mentor and coach a team of 100+ journalists in implementing newsroom-wide brand strategies and daily editorial direction through regular feedback sessions and training programs. • Lead digital team in daily editorial content strategy for digital, OTT, mobile apps, and social media platforms. • Plan and execute continuous live weather coverage on all platforms during severe weather including tropical storms and hurricanes. • Successfully navigate legal and ethical challenges for broadcast and digital content• Selected to participate in the EW Scripps manager training program as a participant and as a coach. • Chosen as interim News Director at EW Scripps sister station KJRH in Tulsa, OK, for three months to cover for leave of absence. • Selected to travel to sister station in Lafayette, Louisiana to help lead team of journalists on the ground covering Hurricane Francine. • Actively recruit, train and mentor staff.

Greater Chicago Area

* Lead a team of journalists in the 3rd largest television market in creating compelling content for a 6 hour live morning show with multiple live segments, studio guests, live crews and nearly continuous breaking news coverage.* Responsible for expanding daily news coverage from 5.5 to 6 hours and significantly growing ratings for Good Day Chicago.* Approve show rundowns, write and edit scripts, assign and manage a team of producers, reporters, anchors, feature reporter, field crews and production team.* Newsroom executive responsible for developing compelling news content and for planning the editorial direction of all morning newscasts.* Lead daily editorial and segment planning meetings.* Mentor, train and recruit newscast producers.

Greater Chicago Area

Developed and executed highly effective internal and external strategic communication initiatives including public relations, media relations, social media and reputation management. Successfully increased brand recognition and university reputation through top-tier local and national media coverage of thought-leaders, research projects and community and business partnerships. Developed aggressive media relations strategy that increased media coverage by more than 150% within one year.Strategically placed stories and thought-leaders in top-tier media outlets including the Associated Press, CBS News, New York Times, CNN Money, Huffington Post, Forbes, National Public Radio, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and Crain's Chicago Business. Responded to reporter inquiries. Created the university's first online media expert database. Conducted regular media training and coaching sessions for key university executives and thought-leaders.Official university spokesman. Created media talking points and university statements. Responsible for the editorial direction of daily e-newsletter and online media room. A key member of the crisis communication team.

Lisle, Illinois

Responsible for creating original digital content using social media, website and video production initiatives. Worked closely with internal and external clients in developing a successful digital media strategy to meet the university's communication objectives and increase enrollment.Created successful public relations and media relations campaigns and provided counsel to senior executives. Identified and assisted key executives with crisis management and reputation management issues.

Chicago

Managing Editor for CLTV News and WGN-TV. Responsible for managing staff of a 24-hour newsroom and determining news coverage and daily editorial content for multiple newscasts including story development, reporter assignments, script approval and breaking news coverage. Pitched stories to reporters, producers and other newsroom leaders. Developed new and creative story angles during daily editorial meetings. Managed digital content for two websites and social media channels.

Chicago

Award-winning news writer and producer for CBS 2 News at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Managed news content, story assignments, breaking news and editorial direction of newscasts under tight deadlines. Wrote and researched stories for daily newscasts. Developed story ideas with reporters, producers and other newsroom managers during daily editorial meetings. Created rundown for daily newscast. Developed original content for website.

Chicago

Contracted to producer "The 2003 Chicago Auto Show," a live, one-hour, multiple-camera, remote broadcast originating from Chicago's McCormick Place Center.

Detroit

Producer for long format special projects including weekly 30 minute news magazine program, "Fox 2 Extra." News writer and producer for daily feature segments.

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area

Newscast producer and writer for 11pm newscast.

Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida Area

Producer and writer for nationally syndicated television franchise, "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures."

Chicago

News producer and writer for CLTV, Chicago's 24-hour cable news channel.Promoted to producer to launch "WGN Morning News".

Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

Newscast producer