Ryan Epling Email & Phone Number

I have a background that covers a little bit of everything involved in media, and have had success in multiple disciplines. Won West Virginia AP "Best Radio Host" Award in 2008, and AP "Best Sports Talk Show." Won West Virginia Broadcasters Association "Best A.M. Newscast" in 2018 and 2019. Won multiple college radio awards for play by play and sports reporting. I have worked for Gray TV and specifically WSAZ-TV since 2011. I entered as an intern because I didn't know how I could best serve the station, so I wanted to try everything before being hired. I was hired as a part time photographer two weeks into internship, and as a full-time producer two weeks later, producing the 5 a.m. newscast. I was moved to the 6 a.m. newscast less than a year later. I have experience in video editing (Edius), web writing and creating social media content, in addition to writing copy for broadcast/storytelling. I have chosen to work weekday overnights to keep free afternoons and evenings to work in sports when possible. I am a big time "team player," as I only care that the product is at the highest level it can be. That means putting people in positions to succeed and not necessarily claiming credit for it. I believe a rising tide lifts all boats, so the better I do, and the better my coworkers do, the better the end product, which is all that matters. I also work hard to foster a sense of "team" within the morning shift. The hours are terrible but I feel our camaraderie is vital to our success. We don't want to let each other down, let alone our viewers. I feel that can be under-appreciated unless you're part of it. I am at my best in breaking news situations, especially big stories. My experience as well as ability to quickly process information, separating what is important and what is not, really shines in these moments. I have produced live extended weather coverage on the fly for as many as five consecutive hours, which is another strong point. The secret to producing weather is simply to let your talented meteorologists, anchors and reporters shine. Learn what they do best, learn what they don't, and put that knowledge to use. Offering advice, recognizing what is missing in coverage and figuring out a way to incorporate it quickly takes experience, and I have learned from some of the best people in the business.

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  Marshall University

  Broadcast Journalism