I left a secure, prestigious job writing news for a national audience, grateful to have fallen into the crime beat.
My work at TheNationalDesk.com was syndicated to Sinclair Broadcast Group’s 80+ local TV stations.
In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’m still doing it on my own!
I search law enforcement websites, find exclusive content, get mugshots, quote liberally from legal documents when they make sense, and use those facts to tell engaging stories.
It’s really simple, and the best of both worlds: Doing news, but without anything too serious or urgent, at least in my case.
I strategically decide the perfect time to publish, and craft teases to post on a number of social media platforms. (Who’s better to promote than the person who researched?)
WSVN-Miami/Fort Lauderdale * WFSB-Connecticut * WCAU-Philadelphia * KYW-TV Philadelphia
I also have years of experience producing TV newscasts, writing all sorts of news, including breaking, along with copyediting and proofreading for others. But even better was creatively producing websites and social media, serving as a station’s digital media manager, and growing my audience here in the nation’s fourth-largest market.
WCYB-Tri Cities, TN/VA * WTXF-Philadelphia * Philadelphia Gay News * WPEC-West Palm Beach, FL
Political? I spent much of 2022 watching Ron DeSantis news conferences, waiting for the governor to announce he was running for president. I updated articles and tweeted out soundbites with descriptions live in real time.
Climate and weather? Being from Florida, I’ve been covering the tropics, taking information straight from the National Hurricane Center and explaining it, practically forever.
Plus, I have substantial teaching experience: Eight years, mostly 1st grade in Miami-Dade Public Schools. I invented the school’s website, ran the electronic gradebook that replaced paper books, was named grade chair, Teacher of the Year, Rookie TOY, and I served as shop steward.
Those skills came from being a journalist on deadline.
I can’t work for Sinclair in Philadelphia. They don’t have a station here. But you’ll find my latest work at facebook.com/LennyCohenNews and a whole library at CohenConnect.com.
Looking for a freelancer? Content to license? Please look through, and tell me what you think.
