Misty Montano
Digital Content Manager, 9NEWS/MY20, Denver, Colorado
Misty is a journalist who uses social technologies and interactive marketing and media to connect with current and potential news consumers. She has taken on the position of Digital Content Manager at 9News in Denver and shouts to all that will listen that, "News is not dying!" She won a Regional Emmy for her work as an Assignment Editor at CBS4 News in Denver where she spent over 10 years on the news desk.
Besides gathering information, assisting news crews, and arranging news coverage, she connects with the community through social media. Since 2009 she has successfully integrated her position on the news desk with social networks and is always looking for that next step, the next Internet tool, to keep relevant as a journalist.
Misty gives a behind the scenes look into the operations of a television newsroom through her use of Twitter, Facebook, blog and more.
"I believe in using social networks to break down walls and to be transparent. These tools are invaluable to me as I have been able to find news tips, to be a part of collaborative journalism efforts, and to network live I've never been able to do before. Most of all I have created trust between myself, the station and the news consumer because I have shown I'm just another person trying to do my job and can be their voice in the newsroom," she says.
Misty speaks locally and nationally on the use of social media as a journalist and for businesses.
"Mainstream media needs to evolve as social media develops and new tools are available for journalists to utilize," she says. "News is not dying. People are information hounds who will find the kind of news and information they want in any place they can. It's our choice to also have a presence in these places or not. However, if we choose not to be there in some way, we're losing our voice and not giving viewers or readers any reason to turn us on, pick up our papers or magazines, or go to our websites."
She admits social media can be overwhelming with constant information and access. One tip she gives to anyone who asks about using social media is, "The beauty of it all is that social media can be used how you choose. Make them work for you. Know why you're on them and what you want out of them. Then set flexible plans to achieve your goals."
Misty is a native of Nebraska whose blood still runs Husker Red even though she's been in Colorado for over 10 years. "In sharing who I am through social media I let everyone know that I am a wife, step-mom, mom, journalist and Husker! I just ask that on game day we agree to disagree, while still being friends," she says.
Accomplishments:
Emmy award winning Assignment Editor who works effectively under the pressure of daily and breaking news and understands the needs of all personnel in the newsroom to get multiple newscast on the air.
Knowledgeable broadcast television journalist with experience and understanding of the inner workings of a newsroom and how to pursue and cover the news on a local, statewide and national level.
Skillful social media journalist and teacher bringing transparency, interaction, advocacy and accountability to the news station; and guiding fellow journalists on the use of social media platforms to achieve a goal.
Internet Marketing skills:
Use of Twitter and Facebook to meet the strategic goals and brand message for 9NEWS
Administrator of 9NEWS social media accounts, including YouTube, UStream, Facebook & Twitter
Administrator of NATAS Heartland Chapter social media accounts and website
Over 4000 loyal Social Media friends and followers
Use of several different applications to run Twitter and Facebook, including SproutSocial, COTweet, HootSuite, Seesmic and Tweetdeck
Blogs So Dig Journalistm, On the News Desk, Being Mystical
Review and monitor Web analytics using Google Analytics and Omniture Site Catalyst
Knowledge of social media analytics companies and resources: Constant Contact, Radian6, PR Newswire Social Media Metrics
Knowledge and use of LinkedIn, FriendFeed, Digg, Delicious, Shutterfly, Flickr, MySpace, YouTube, UStream, Skype, Wikipedia and more
Newsroom Management skills:
- Coordinate daily, future, breaking and live news coverage by assigning reporters, photographers, editors, engineers, or live trucks to each event
- Effectively settle any personal issues the crew members may have with each other by talking to each person individually, or participating in a meeting with all individuals and managers involved in the dispute
- Present story submissions for news coverage
- Participate in discussions of a news idea and how the story will effectively reach the target audience while maintaining station identity related through storytelling
- Implement station goals and storytelling method by working with the news crew to find the right person(s) to interview, creative visuals, and the best live locations
- Critique overall produced story or individual elements of the story such as video or edits to achieve the best broadcast product
- Keep up to date with current events and community happenings
- Call contacts or parties involved in news stories to set up interviews and shoots or to obtain latest information available on a story
- Work with public relations specialists to arrange logistics and coverage of events
- Disseminate pertinent information to producers, reporters and photographers
- Use several internet databases and search engines to find information for stories, such as, criminal backgrounds, court records, current address and phone numbers
- Monitor emergency scanners to listen for breaking news while answering phone calls, reading email from viewers with news tips and reading press releases
- Maintain and cultivate new relationships with media representatives and communication specialists
Guest Speaker
Keynote Speaker at Nebraska Collegiate Media Association's 2011 Annual Golden Leaf Award's Ceremony and Conference, Hastings College, April '11
Presenter at Omaha 10-10-10, The New News: Social Media and Back Pack Journalism, at University of Nebraska at Omaha, October '10
"Going Rogue" Presented at Chicks Who Click Conference, January '10
Presenter at National Press Photographer’s Association June ’09 National Conference on using Social Media
Panel Member at Mile High Social Media Club May event “Social and Traditional Media & the New PR“ May '09
