Krystel Knowles Resume
Summary
2X Emmy-nominated broadcast journalist and senior communications professional with 17 years of experience across public media, live events, and internal communications. Proven track record in media relations, public affairs, and strategic communications, with expertise in producing compelling content that drives community engagement. Extensive experience leading coverage on high-profile topics, including space exploration and environmental sustainability, as recognized in multiple awards. Fluent in English, Spanish, and conversational French, with proficiency in cross-platform content creation and media outreach. Passionate about storytelling that fosters public awareness and positive social impact.
Professional Experience
Senior Producer & Senior Reporter
WUCF-TV PBS, Orlando, FL | April 2022 – Present
-Senior Producer for Emmy-nominated series "Crisis to Conservation," focused on environmental restoration and resiliency.
-Serve as a reporter and multi-media journalist covering various topics like space, environment, and politics for broadcast. Report, write, edit with Adobe Premiere Pro and do voice-over for TV segments.
- Lead creative development and execution of weekly news segments, from topic research and scripting to post-production editing.
- Manage logistical planning of broadcast operations, ensuring coordination between production teams and on-air talent.
- Collaborate with producing long-format content, for special broadcasts, focusing on topics such as space, environment, and politics.
- Coordinate and conduct media interviews with subject matter experts, both on location and in-studio, ensuring high standards of public communications.
- Provide editorial oversight on all content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with journalistic standards, including crafting press releases and writing with AP Associated Press standards.
- Develop content for social media platforms to engage viewers and promote upcoming segments as part of the station's public engagement efforts.
- Occasionally host shows in Spanish for bilingual audiences, enhancing public affairs and outreach.
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Space Coast Reporter & Multi-Media Journalist
Spectrum News 13, Orlando, FL | February 2018 - December 2020
- Delivered live on-air reporting from major space-related events, including rocket launches and space missions, while leading public communications and engagement efforts.
- Cultivated relationships with industry experts, engineers, and local officials to ensure accurate, well-informed media relations.
- Produced daily news reports and web articles for diverse audiences, simplifying complex scientific topics as part of the network’s public outreach.
- Conducted media interviews with experts to enrich storytelling for on-air segments.
- Managed social media accounts to expand viewer interaction and public awareness, contributing to strategic public engagement efforts.
-Serve as a reporter and multimedia journalist, handling a variety of subjects like space, environmental matters, and politics for broadcast. Tasked with reporting, writing, editing segments with Adobe Premiere Pro, and delivering voice-overs for television content.
Morning Anchor & Reporter
WSNN-TV / The Suncoast News Network, Sarasota, FL | January 2016 - February 2018
-Produced and served as studio reporter for morning segments, including a morning show.
- Anchored morning newscasts, leading a team of reporters and photographers, focusing on public communications and delivering timely, relevant news.
- Led the production of an hour-long hurricane documentary, overseeing multi-camera shoots and public engagement strategies.
- Trained incoming reporters and photographers for live on-air reporting and media interviews, ensuring professional development and public engagement.
- Coordinated interviews with government officials and experts for live events, enhancing media outreach and public affairs coverage.
Lead Photographer & Team Lead
GradImages, Florida | April 2006 - March 2024
- Managed a team of photographers, overseeing event logistics and ensuring high-quality media content delivery.
- Coordinated with clients to provide real-time updates on schedules, staffing, and logistics, ensuring seamless event coverage and quality deliverables.
- Mentored new photographers and maintained long-term client relationships, supporting the company's strategic communications and public engagement goals.
-Traveled on short notice all over the country to various universities to manage a team of photographers.
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Freelance Experience
Award winning TV Host, “Airborne Unlimited” on Roku/YouTube
As the face of Airborne Unlimited, this award-winning aviation TV host brought fresh energy to aviation media—navigating stories from eVTOL breakthroughs to pilot training while connecting authentically with professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their exceptional on-camera work was recognized with a People’s Telly Award (Bronze, 2021) for Hosting, celebrating excellence in video and television storytelling.
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Host Original Web Series 'Cosmic Girls'
Original interview-based web docuseries created and hosted by an award-winning journalist, spotlighting the trailblazing women shaping the future of space exploration. Filmed across Florida’s revitalized Space Coast, the series offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to engineers, scientists, flight directors, and space leaders.
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College Adjunct
​Experienced educator with teaching roles at institutions such as the University of Florida, Southern New Hampshire University, University of Central Florida, and Bethune-Cookman University. Has developed and taught courses in digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, new media campaign design, and broadcast journalism, with an emphasis on practical application and student-focused learning.
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Education
-Master's Degree in Digital JournalismUniversity of South Florida | 2019 - 2021
-Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications/Journalism (French minor)University of South Florida | 2007 - 2011
Skills
- Internal Communications- Media Relations & Interviews (SNN, WUCF, Spectrum)
- Event Planning & Coordination (GradImages, WUCF)- Video Production & Editing (Final Cut Pro X, Adobe Premiere Pro)
- Strategic Communications (WUCF, GradImages)- Media Outreach (WUCF)
- Press Releases (WUCF)- Public Affairs (WUCF)
- Public Communications (SNN, WFTS, Spectrum, WUCF)
- Public Engagement (WUCF, Spectrum, GradImages)
- Social Media Management (Spectrum, WUCF)
- Team Leadership & Client Relations (GradImages, WUCF)
- Fluent in English, Spanish, and French
