Lawrence Banton

Results-driven professional with extensive experience in project planning, content creation, storytelling, and production across broadcast, digital, and live events. Proven record of leading cross-functional teams, optimizing workflows, and delivering projects on time, within budget, and to client and stakeholder satisfaction. Detail-oriented expert in SEO, analytics, and audience engagement. Adept at developing and executing content strategies that drive engagement and measurable results.

Specialist, Livestreams - CNN - Washington, D.C.

(2026)

Planned weekly, daily, and hourly content programming for US, London, and Hong Kong teams. Curated and adjusted streaming feeds in real-time coordination with the editorial agenda, breaking developments, and audience analytics.

• Directly drove subscriber growth and audience reach with varied content planning.
• Directed daily and hourly programming blocks for live events and breaking news for CNN All Access.

Digital Producer (Remote) - Straight Arrow News - Omaha, NE

(2025 - 2026)

Lead digital content strategy, tailoring stories, alerts, and social posts across web, mobile, and social platforms. Manage CMS operations and coordinate with reporters and producers to ensure content alignment across departments. Edit video and audio content using Canva to enhance multimedia storytelling.

• Increased audience engagement by leveraging SEO best practices and analytics to inform editorial decisions across web, mobile, and social platforms.
• Spearheaded multiple projects and supervised a small team of digital producers during evening shifts, ensuring timely, high-quality content delivery.

Digital Content Producer - WABC, The Walt Disney Company - New York, NY

(2024 - 2025)

Managed end-to-end digital news operations during WABC's top-rated morning show, overseeing content across website, social media channels, and live streaming platforms to ensure high audience engagement. Coordinated multi-platform live streams for press events, optimizing delivery for YouTube and the station website. Collaborated with newsroom leadership, producers, and cross-functional teams to maintain editorial synergy and align content strategies across departments.

• Produced breaking news content, consistently ranking first in the market for digital traffic and engagement metrics.
• Utilized SEO best practices, data analytics, and audience insights to guide editorial decisions, enhance content presentation, and maximize reach.

Senior Digital Producer - Cheddar News - New York, NY

(2020 - 2024)

Promoted from Digital Producer to lead expanded tasks, including reporting, interviewing, and producing a daily column. Created, edited, and published digital news content across articles, video, and interactive features, producing 5–6 headline stories daily. Developed and executed SEO strategies that drove growth in website traffic and audience engagement.

Collaborated with external agencies to optimize monetized video distribution and maximize content reach. Conducted research and background reporting on entertainment, sports, and business news to ensure accuracy and relevance.

• Produced daily In Entertainment column, ranking among the top-clicked content on the website and Need2Know newsletter.
• Partnered with brands, such as Jackson-Hewitt and Butterball on monetized articles, generating hundreds of thousands of cumulative clicks.
• Conducted high-profile interviews across industries and sports, engaging with notable athletes, executives, and entertainment figures.

News Writer - WPIX-TV - New York, NY

(2016 - 2020)

Conducted research and fact-checked stories to ensure accuracy and credibility. Coordinated field reporter segments with the control room, gaining experience in line production and live broadcast operations. Assisted producers with line producing, enhancing understanding of newsroom workflows and multi-platform content delivery.

• Wrote scripts and developed content for an Emmy-winning morning newscast, including the 62nd Annual New York Emmys "Fire and Ice" segment.
• Edited and produced video and audio components for major events, including coverage of New York City parades, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and West Indian Day Parade.

Audio Engineer - Sirius XM - New York, NY

(2015 - 2018)

Operated studio soundboards for NBA, NFL, and MLB broadcasts, ensuring high-quality live audio production. Produced and edited audio highlights from live games and recorded post-game press conferences and interviews using Adobe Audition and Pro Tools. Aired paid spots and monitored equipment to guarantee proper functioning before and during live broadcasts.

• Managed sports radio archive containing hundreds of thousands of audio files.
• Ensured consistent audio quality and seamless on-air delivery across multiple sports channels.

Freelance News Writer - New York, NY

Traffic Producer (Freelance, then Full-Time) - New York, NY

Bachelor of Arts - University of Maryland Eastern Shore