I started working at KDLT in August of 2009, the summer after I graduated from DSU. I started as a part-time production assistant working behind the scenes of the morning news. After a few days of training I was given the nickname notebook. Apparently I was the first person to actually take notes during training. I caught on quickly to each task, learning how to run prompter, the audio board, cameras, tapes and editing. At that time we were still editing tape to tape. My ambition and hard work paid off. After a few months I was given more hours and moved to the evening shift. As time went by I was given more responsibilities. First I became the web operator in charge of updating the website with stories, videos and pictures. Once KDLT got a new website the web operator position was no longer needed. The website setup was simple enough for the reports to upload their own stories, pictures and videos. But it wasn't long before I become the weekend production graphic designer. My job was to create over the shoulder graphics for each story, key wall graphics, full screen boards, and any other special graphics needed for reporter stories. 

 

In just over a year I was promoted to full time lead production graphic designer. I created graphics for the KDLT News at 5, 6 & 10. Not long after receiving this promotion our graphics system crashed. I had to quickly learn Xpression, a completely new graphics system, very quickly with minimal training. I picked up on the new program very fast and impressed the Ross Video trainer. He said he hadn't seen anyone pick up on the program that quickly. Because of my skills, ambition and willingness to learn I was given more responsibilities than the previous lead production graphic designer. For example KDLT aired some of the University of Sioux Falls football games. I designed all the score board graphics for the games. 

 

After three years I was ready to move on to something else, learn new skills and take on new challenges. A job in the creative services department opened up and I was approached to fill the position. The creative services department creates commercials and website/app advertisements for the news as well as local businesses and KDLT.

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Currently I am still in creative services but I have now become the manager of the department. As a manager I keep the creative services department running smoothly. I divide the work among the department, make sure deadlines are being met, solve problems that occur, and help others in my department as needed. I am also in charge of our KDLT Cares initiative. This involves setting up sponsorships with local charities and events around the community. I then create promotional materials such as, PSA's, digital ads, posters, coupons, directories, and general KDLT swag for these events.