Jeff Patterson

Leads a department of a dozen full-time reporters and editors. Plans and directs coverage across multiple platforms of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Big 12's Oklahoma Sooners and Oklahoma State Cowboys, and dozens of high schools in central Oklahoma. Uses metrics from Google Analytics to help focus our digital strategies. Implements best digital practices with SEO optimization and social-media targeting. Manages the department's financial budget. Edits stories and works with reporters to improve story-telling techniques.

Manages six reporters and coordinates coverage of our three biggest beats in sports (the NBA’s Thunder and major-college programs in the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University). Works with and mentors reporters and interns on everything from video to longform storytelling. Developed social-media accounts to extend audience reach. Uses analytics to
determine the best and most efficient ways to reach news consumers.

Managed social-media accounts and developed creative for all platforms, including starting an evergreen “five things to know” video series. Used analytics to maximize reach and audience growth. In charge of content for the Sunday print product and budgeted daily sections.

Responsibilities include visual planning of the sports section, developing informational graphics and revamping destination pages.

Helped lead a team of reporters by coordinating coverage plans, photo assignments and posting content to the web in a timely and accurate manner. Budgeted the print products while continuing duties at the Gannett Design Studio.

Helped coordinate and budget with multiple newspapers to establish consistency in its page furniture and typography. Developed a daily Morning Briefing page that generates advertising revenue for The Courier-Journal.

Edited stories for accuracy and tightness on deadline for the state’s flagship paper.

Produced and hosted a weekly sports talk show focusing on high school sports. Provided color analysis for high school football broadcasts. Coverage included prep and William and Mary athletics.

In charge of presentation for an APSE Top 10 sports section. Budgeted section twice per week. Produced high school/college football special section. Copy edited stories and updated content on the paper’ s website.

Beat reporter for the Danville Braves, writing daily stories and posting video online. Breadth of coverage included auto racing, preps and the ACC. Designed and edited the section two to three nights a week.

Lead reporter covering the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Wrote nearly 50 stories on everything from the growth of charter boat fishing in southeast Louisiana to the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Hornets.

Wrote several front-page stories. Covered everything from President Bush’s campaign visit to a drug-ring bust to Pete Rose’s minor-league baseball appearance as well as a cicada invasion.