Things to Do:
- brainstorm big ideas
- proofread final revisions
- schedule next interview
Reminders:
- update portfolio reel
- follow up with sources
- renew press badge
PATRICIA BRADFORD
BROADCAST JOURNALIST
PRESS ID #2026-0417
Patricia (Penny) Bradford
BROADCAST JOURNALIST, PRODUCER & RADIO HOST
pbford103@gmail.com · Champaign, IL · LinkedIn
Broadcast journalist, producer, and radio host with experience across TV news, public radio, and on-air hosting. I've told stories for Illinois Public Media, WPGU 107.1FM, and university newsrooms — and love turning research into segments people actually want to watch or listen to.
EDUCATION
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
- Member, National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Parkland College, Champaign, IL
- Honors List Fall 2019; Radio DJ for WPCD 88.7 FM
WORK EXPERIENCE
Parkland College — Marketing & Digital Content Manager
- Managed multi-channel marketing campaigns to strengthen brand awareness and student enrollment.
- Audited and managed web content to ensure accessibility, accuracy, and brand consistency.
UI-7 Newsroom, University of Illinois — Multimedia Journalist
- Produced VO/SOTs, field reports and packages on local news, entertainment and campus events.
- Researched, wrote and edited scripts while delivering live and pre-recorded segments on-air.
Illinois Public Media — Reporter & Producer
- Produced and promoted stories for broadcast and web on cultural, political, and economic topics.
- Created digital content and social media posts to increase listenership and online engagement.
- Designed graphic images and digital copy aligned with brand voice and audience strategy.
WPGU 107.1FM, Illini Media Company — Assistant Program Director / On-Air DJ
- Mentored and trained 50+ students on radio broadcasting, audio editing, and branded content strategy.
- Collaborated with campus organizations to develop content and event campaigns for social media.
- Oversaw daily program planning using MusicMaster and WideOrbit to ensure successful broadcasting.
Aerie — Assistant Store Manager / Interim Store Manager
- Directed all in-store visual marketing, including monthly plan-o-grams and brand presentation builds.
- Managed inventory and payroll while leading a team to meet and exceed sales KPIs.
ACTIVITIES
America Reads/America Counts — Tutor
- Fostered academic and behavioral growth in preschool-aged students through interactive learning.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Teacher's Assistant
- Evaluated and graded assignments and provided feedback for an introductory journalism course.
SKILLS
- Adobe Audition
- Premiere Pro
- InDesign
- ClickUp
- WordPress
- Express Engine
- Instagram/Facebook
- DNN Platform
- Google Analytics
- Sony Z-150
- WideOrbit
- Mailchimp
- AP Stylebook
- MS Office
- Canva
- Slack