Paula Wethington Email & Phone Number

Monroe, Mi, Us

Toledo, Ohio, United States

I'm handling some part-time reporting on a freelance basis for Toledo Free Press, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom with local content focusing on the Toledo, Ohio, region.

Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States

NEWSnet was a national 24/7 news channel seen over the air in markets across the U.S., along with livestream and video on demand. The channel ceased operations in August 2024, and I was among those laid off.My responsibilities as Digital Content Manager at the Farmington Hills national newsroom involved keeping the website, apps, and social media updated with the latest national news and features. In addition to creating the daily and breaking news digital content plans and writing some… Show more NEWSnet was a national 24/7 news channel seen over the air in markets across the U.S., along with livestream and video on demand. The channel ceased operations in August 2024, and I was among those laid off.My responsibilities as Digital Content Manager at the Farmington Hills national newsroom involved keeping the website, apps, and social media updated with the latest national news and features. In addition to creating the daily and breaking news digital content plans and writing some of the content, I assigned stories to a freelancer to package for the web.I also assisted with editing the “on air” newscasts into “video on demand” clips.Our digital team was small - two full timers and one freelancer who all took their current roles in summer 2023 at a relatively new national newsroom. Our digital content strategy and schedule resulted in consistent improvements in page views and social media follows through attention to on-page SEO, organic social media, and timely presentation of the day’s headlines. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

The role of a Producer/Planner within Gannett’s Center for Community Journalism was to provide specialized support for small newsrooms for print and digital content plans. Gannett's plan was to combine the regional print planner and digital producer teams into one audience team; and that concept was introduced to Michigan in spring 2023.My assigned newspapers during my time as a Producer / Planner were in Michigan: Adrian, Hillsdale, Holland, Ionia, Livingston and Monroe. I had worked… Show more The role of a Producer/Planner within Gannett’s Center for Community Journalism was to provide specialized support for small newsrooms for print and digital content plans. Gannett's plan was to combine the regional print planner and digital producer teams into one audience team; and that concept was introduced to Michigan in spring 2023.My assigned newspapers during my time as a Producer / Planner were in Michigan: Adrian, Hillsdale, Holland, Ionia, Livingston and Monroe. I had worked with all of these newspapers previously as a digital producer.I left Gannett to take an all-digital content role at NEWSnet. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

I was the digital producer assigned to work remotely with the editors and reporters for 10 Gannett Michigan newspaper sites. That list was Adrian, Cheboygan, Coldwater, Holland, Hillsdale, Ionia, Monroe, Petoskey, Sault Ste. Marie and Sturgis.This was an interim role created after the Gannett Michigan Web Team was disbanded; and before the producer/planner workflow went into effect. I reported to the senior editor in charge of these newspapers.Key accomplishment: * Page… Show more I was the digital producer assigned to work remotely with the editors and reporters for 10 Gannett Michigan newspaper sites. That list was Adrian, Cheboygan, Coldwater, Holland, Hillsdale, Ionia, Monroe, Petoskey, Sault Ste. Marie and Sturgis.This was an interim role created after the Gannett Michigan Web Team was disbanded; and before the producer/planner workflow went into effect. I reported to the senior editor in charge of these newspapers.Key accomplishment: * Page views for the newspaper sites I was directly responsible for during Q1 2023 were 3.8% higher than for that same list in Q4 2022.Here's what else I did:* Made recommendations on website content schedules that were immediately accepted.* Created a slide show reel on Instagram.* Wrote Twitter threads based on breaking news and high interest content.* Formatted and published an image post and two galleries that hit Holland Sentinel’s top 10 Instagram posts of all time.* Published an image post that hit Monroe News top 15 Instagram posts of all time.* Designed “evergreen” winter weather social media graphics for my sites.* Successfully programmed automated content in Social News Desk using RSS feeds from two newsrooms to their Twitter and Facebook accounts.* Set up Social News Desk “link in bio” pages for two Instagram accounts that did not have that option yet.* Created a map-based infographic for a news story shared with all the news sites in the Michigan Outstate Group.* Took the training series aimed at newsroom personnel who were scheduled to adopt Gannett's CCJ workflow; immediately implementing any strategies and ideas I could use in this interim role.* Participated in several Gannett Employee Resource Group meetings and webinars.Software and apps:* CrowdTangle* Social News Desk.* Parse.ly.* Canva.* Infogram.* Microsoft Teams.* Presto.I also was featured in the Gannett Women Forward ERG member profile for the March 2023 newsletter. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

I was part of an all-remote team of digital producers and an audience editor assigned to the Gannett Michigan Web Team (this concept was known in Gannett as a regional Digital Optimization Team). Michigan Web Team disbanded in January 2023 and I was assigned on an interim basis to the Michigan Outstate Group.Michigan Web Team assisted the newsrooms of 15 mid-sized and smaller newspaper sites across Michigan with digital-friendly formatting of website content, SEO optimization… Show more I was part of an all-remote team of digital producers and an audience editor assigned to the Gannett Michigan Web Team (this concept was known in Gannett as a regional Digital Optimization Team). Michigan Web Team disbanded in January 2023 and I was assigned on an interim basis to the Michigan Outstate Group.Michigan Web Team assisted the newsrooms of 15 mid-sized and smaller newspaper sites across Michigan with digital-friendly formatting of website content, SEO optimization, mobile app news alerts and social media content.Accomplishments: * Holland Sentinel, one of our team's assigned newspapers and a newsroom that I worked with quite a bit, took first place in its division for Best Digital Presence from Michigan Associated Press Media Editors for work done during 2022. (Link in media tab.)Skills, apps and tasks:* CrowdTangle, Google Analytics and Parse.ly data to watch content trends.* Canva to format website images and design social cards.* Infogram to design charts and graphs.* Social News Desk to send or schedule photos and links to Facebook and Twitter. * Microsoft Teams to post and track assignments.I was also among the Michigan Gannett journalists who worked with the Detroit Free Press web team on the Pure Michigan Task Force. This project focused on evergreen content that could be used by any of the Gannett Michigan papers; it got multiple shout outs in internal newsletters through page views and assignment ideas.My contributions included:* My piece on Michigan drive-in theaters was among the highest-read Pure Michigan Task Force pieces in 2022. (Link in media tab). * My article about tornado alerts for Michigan residents appeared in the Detroit Free Press print edition. (Link in media tab.)I also participated in Gannett’s Social Media Champions and Digital Optimization Team online training series; and Gannett’s Employee Resource Group career discussion meetings. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

As the podcast producer for The Monroe News, I created an average two to three short podcasts a month. I did all the editing and producing, to include recording my own sound effects for the show intro / outro, via Audacity and OmnyStudio.The topics included:* Spot news.* Explainers. * History features.* Public service topics. The formats included:* Studio-style, in person interviews.* On scene recording of actualities and interviews.* Scripted… Show more As the podcast producer for The Monroe News, I created an average two to three short podcasts a month. I did all the editing and producing, to include recording my own sound effects for the show intro / outro, via Audacity and OmnyStudio.The topics included:* Spot news.* Explainers. * History features.* Public service topics. The formats included:* Studio-style, in person interviews.* On scene recording of actualities and interviews.* Scripted narratives.* Formatting a 911 call recording for audio play on demand.* Recording an in person interview that became part of a Detroit Free Press news podcast.My podcast episode “After the Pandemic wishes” piece won an award from Michigan Press Association. This was a “call-in response” piece using a voicemail message technique that was common among public radio and podcasting in the early days of the pandemic. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

I was the lead newscaster for the “Monroe in a Minute” daily newscast on Rewind 94.3 WERW-LPFM in partnership with Monroe Public Access. This project included: * Writing the news script based on the day’s headlines.* Getting an editor’s review for content.* Recording the voice track no later than 90 minutes before air time.* “Phone in” news bulletins on election nights.The voice track recording was initially done at the radio station, in studio with a producer… Show more I was the lead newscaster for the “Monroe in a Minute” daily newscast on Rewind 94.3 WERW-LPFM in partnership with Monroe Public Access. This project included: * Writing the news script based on the day’s headlines.* Getting an editor’s review for content.* Recording the voice track no later than 90 minutes before air time.* “Phone in” news bulletins on election nights.The voice track recording was initially done at the radio station, in studio with a producer handling the board. Under the pandemic “work from home” protocols, I recorded at a home studio setup with a professional microphone and audio interface, then emailed the file to the radio station’s program director for mixing and scheduling. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

My role as digital team leader for The Monroe News overlapped with my reporting duties. I joined the team in 2006, taking on increasing responsibilities for audience engagement, Google Analytics data reporting and breaking news website content duties. I was named Digital Team Leader in 2017.Key accomplishments:* GateHouse Media “social media excellence” awards for work done during 2016, 2017 and 2018. * Michigan Associated Press awards for “digital media… Show more My role as digital team leader for The Monroe News overlapped with my reporting duties. I joined the team in 2006, taking on increasing responsibilities for audience engagement, Google Analytics data reporting and breaking news website content duties. I was named Digital Team Leader in 2017.Key accomplishments:* GateHouse Media “social media excellence” awards for work done during 2016, 2017 and 2018. * Michigan Associated Press awards for “digital media presence” in 2018 and 2020.My responsibilities:* Used Canva, stock art and file photos to create a library of images specifically for our website.* Created infographics and map embeds.* Tracked and reported digital media content and scheduling benchmarks required by GateHouse Media.* Mentored newsroom staff on best practices in SEO and social media.* Launched, lead or co-hosted the newsroom’s branded social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Periscope, Google+, Tout, Vine, Storify and TikTok.* Used Hootsuite to schedule content.* Wrote and scheduled news alerts* Programmed an automated response for the inbox on the newsroom's Facebook page.* Referred customer service or newsroom queries sent via social media messages to the appropriate person.* Assisted reporters and editors with User Generated Content and story sourcing requests.* Moderated the newsroom’s comment section and online bulletin board.* Maintained admin lists, passwords and historical data on newsroom social media accounts.* Reported page view data, social media analytics and overperforming content to the editor on a weekly basis.* Wrote "case study" reports showing what worked and why after breaking news and special projects.I can show a track record of follower growth on social media accounts that I ran or took over during these years.I also pitched and wrote a “Best of Local Instagram” feature, highlighting 10 amazing accounts that were active in the Monroe area in 2019. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

My news and feature reporting assignments while at The Monroe News included:* Community news, award announcements and event previews.* City and township government meeting reports.* Feature topics and profiles.I took a “digital first” approach to reporting assignments, with a track record of: * Live tweeting from local government board meetings.* Facebook Live from breaking news scenes. * Video clips edited into a news story for YouTube.I was a student… Show more My news and feature reporting assignments while at The Monroe News included:* Community news, award announcements and event previews.* City and township government meeting reports.* Feature topics and profiles.I took a “digital first” approach to reporting assignments, with a track record of: * Live tweeting from local government board meetings.* Facebook Live from breaking news scenes. * Video clips edited into a news story for YouTube.I was a student “job shadow” mentor several times for visitors ranging from junior high age to college student.I represented The Monroe News by staffing information tables during county fair and local trade fair events from 2000-2016.Of note: The Monroe News was a 7-day publication, print circulation around 21,000; and an employee-owned local company, when I joined the staff. I became one of the employee-owners, and was voted secretary of the employee council for 2014-15. The newspaper was sold to GateHouse Media in 2015; then merged with Gannett in 2019.The portfolio link shares one of my signature feature projects as a reporter at The Monroe News. I pitched the story and worked on it off and on for several weeks during 2007. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

The Monroe News was presenting sponsor of Christmas Magic in Monroe - Parade and Winter Wonderland for 2017 through 2019. The success of our efforts with a new event date and format resulted in a crowd estimate of 15,000 on parade night in 2017.My duties: * Scheduled radio interview appointments and prepared interview notes.* Wrote and submitted event listings and press releases.* Distributed media credentials and media gift bags while confirming on site logistics.*… Show more The Monroe News was presenting sponsor of Christmas Magic in Monroe - Parade and Winter Wonderland for 2017 through 2019. The success of our efforts with a new event date and format resulted in a crowd estimate of 15,000 on parade night in 2017.My duties: * Scheduled radio interview appointments and prepared interview notes.* Wrote and submitted event listings and press releases.* Distributed media credentials and media gift bags while confirming on site logistics.* Created and enacted an organic social media plan for Facebook and Instagram in support of the paid social media campaign and the advertising calendar.* Worked as newsroom web producer immediately after the parade.* Met on with in-house staff, contractors, volunteers and emergency responders as preparations took place.* Recommended, and got the parade registered with, the Monroe County Emergency Management public information text messaging service. I wrote post-parade reports for the lead producer on organic social media reach, media and influencer mentions; and my perspective “on the ground” across the venue.The portfolio link is one of my publicity advance pieces. I pitched the idea and wrote it; knowing I could find the historical details in the newsroom library files. Show less

Monroe, Michigan, United States

“Monroe on a Budget” was the most successful newsroom blog during the years of The Monroe News' local digital media team. I pitched, launched and ran that personal finance blog with a hyperlocal focus for several years; it spun out into a weekly newspaper column. The column and blog led to numerous speaking appearances, local TV interviews, and local and national national radio interviews on topics such as planning for back-to-school expenses and how to leverage the couponing… Show more “Monroe on a Budget” was the most successful newsroom blog during the years of The Monroe News' local digital media team. I pitched, launched and ran that personal finance blog with a hyperlocal focus for several years; it spun out into a weekly newspaper column. The column and blog led to numerous speaking appearances, local TV interviews, and local and national national radio interviews on topics such as planning for back-to-school expenses and how to leverage the couponing craze of 2010-2014.In addition to “Monroe on a Budget,” I was a contributing writer to other newsroom blogs such as “Behind the Headlines.”I used WordPress as the content management system and got an introduction to Google Analytics. Show less

Port Clinton, Ohio, United States

During my second reporting assignment at the News Herald at Port Clinton, Ohio, I covered police, fire and courts, along with county government; and was usually the lead reporter during breaking news. Assignments included:* Reporting on the impact and aftermath of Lake Erie shoreline flooding.* Reporting on the scene of a multi-vehicle highway crash in heavy fog (which led to a Third Place Award in Breaking News from Associated Press Society of Ohio).* A feature story on a… Show more During my second reporting assignment at the News Herald at Port Clinton, Ohio, I covered police, fire and courts, along with county government; and was usually the lead reporter during breaking news. Assignments included:* Reporting on the impact and aftermath of Lake Erie shoreline flooding.* Reporting on the scene of a multi-vehicle highway crash in heavy fog (which led to a Third Place Award in Breaking News from Associated Press Society of Ohio).* A feature story on a disabled adult who moved into independent housing (which resulted in both an Associated Press award and an award from a disability awareness organization). Show less

Fremont, Ohio, United States

My reporting assignments at The News-Messenger included police and fire, courts, education, city and village councils, local history, entertainment.Photography assignments included spot news and features, using 35mm SLR cameras.Other duties during this time:* Company newsletter editor for the Fremont and Port Clinton sites from 1991-2000.* Member of Fremont's Customer Service Task Force Committee from 1991-1995.* Served on Fremont's United Way Campaign Committee in… Show more My reporting assignments at The News-Messenger included police and fire, courts, education, city and village councils, local history, entertainment.Photography assignments included spot news and features, using 35mm SLR cameras.Other duties during this time:* Company newsletter editor for the Fremont and Port Clinton sites from 1991-2000.* Member of Fremont's Customer Service Task Force Committee from 1991-1995.* Served on Fremont's United Way Campaign Committee in 1992; the committee surpassed its fundraising amount goal and saw 100 percent participation from most departments.* Hosted or co-hosted reader focus group discussions from 1993 to 1997.* Newsroom librarian for Fremont during the mid-1990s.* Mentor for student job shadow visitors and college interns during the mid-1990s.* Represented the newspaper staff at a booth for a 1997 street festival.Print circulation at the time I was in Fremont was 14,000 for a 6-day a week newspaper. Show less

Port Clinton, Ohio, United States

My first time working as a reporter at the News Herald in Port Clinton, Ohio, focused on general news assignments, specifically Lake Erie tourism and recreation. Notable assignments included working on the newsroom team that reported on a 1988 fire on South Bass Island. Our front page reporting on the disaster was framed and displayed for years at the popular business site after it rebuilt and re-opened.At the time I was working in Port Clinton, print circulation was 6,000 for a… Show more My first time working as a reporter at the News Herald in Port Clinton, Ohio, focused on general news assignments, specifically Lake Erie tourism and recreation. Notable assignments included working on the newsroom team that reported on a 1988 fire on South Bass Island. Our front page reporting on the disaster was framed and displayed for years at the popular business site after it rebuilt and re-opened.At the time I was working in Port Clinton, print circulation was 6,000 for a 6-day a week newspaper. Show less

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

I was a part-time copydesk assistant for the morning daily newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina for the summer before, and fall of, my junior year at University of South Carolina. My duties included curating the weather bulletins, running errands for the newsroom throughout the building, and serving as substitute obituary clerk.At the time, The State was under a Joint Operating Agreement with the afternoon paper, The Columbia Record. With this job, I got a first-hand look at… Show more I was a part-time copydesk assistant for the morning daily newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina for the summer before, and fall of, my junior year at University of South Carolina. My duties included curating the weather bulletins, running errands for the newsroom throughout the building, and serving as substitute obituary clerk.At the time, The State was under a Joint Operating Agreement with the afternoon paper, The Columbia Record. With this job, I got a first-hand look at how a JOA worked.My most memorable day was being in the newsroom when an announcement was made that The State and The Columbia Record were moving from family ownership to Knight-Ridder ownership. I was therefore a Knight-Ridder employee for about two months. Show less

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Newspaper Journalism, 3.4

Activities and Societies: Society of Professional Journalists, The Gamecock student newspaper, WUSC FM student radio station, Gamecock.

Continuing Education Classes, Journalism

Mini courses and webinars taken online through Poynter starting in 2014 include The Six Rules of a Digital-First Newsroom; Designing Your.

Attended, Fine/Studio Arts, General, 3.6

Classes taken were Photography, Advanced Still Photography, Criminal Law, a Macintosh graphics class; and a Macintosh database class.

Attended, Journalism

Activities and Societies: The BG News, Marching Falcon Band, Tau Beta Sigma, Angel Flight. At The BG News: Reporter.