Professional Summary
Experience
PATRICE MAKOVA
Tampa, Florida 33617 • 656-***-**** • ad5va5@r.postjobfree.com Seasoned Journalist, Editor and Consultant with a robust history at Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), blending hard skills in writing, editing, and content development with soft skills in leadership & management. Spearheaded AMH's editorial convergence, ensuring top-tier content. Proven record of accomplishment in mentoring a diverse team and enhancing journalistic performance as well as driving innovative projects. Consultant, 06/2008 - Present
Freelance
Freelance writer and editor
Conducted Zimbabwe country risk analysis and research for two prominent strategic advisory and risk consultancy firms, Risk Advisory Group Ltd and Africa Matters Limited, based in the United Kingdom
Served as a Consultant Editor for the Media Institute of Southern Africa's Freedom of Information and Access to Information project Collaborated with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) to successfully implement a digital rights project, taking on the role of Consultant Editor
Provided expert communication consulting services to media and civil society groups in Zimbabwe, with a primary focus on human rights initiatives.
Assistant Editor - The Standard, 02/2020 - 03/2024 Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) - Harare, Zimbabwe
Proofread and reviewing written assignments from reporters, correspondents, and contributors for accuracy and readability
Chief editor of Sunday Southern Eye and The Style Magazine Writing editorial comments/opinions
Initiating and assigning investigative stories and features to Section/Desk Editors and reporters Ensure that all content meets the target area expectations for quality Coach reporters, interns, and correspondents to build on strengths and improve on weakness and sets an example by sharing resources, knowledge, ideas and skills within the AMH editorial department. News Editor - Newsday, The Standard & Southern Eye, 12/2011 - 01/2020 AMH - Harare, Zimbabwe
Give assignments to reporters and doing follow up on progress in the converged AMH newsroom Receiving all completed news assignments
Assisting reporters in coming up with investigative and in-depth stories Writing in-depth, investigative, and analytical stories Give photo assignments for news stories
Edit news stories
Maintain a follow-up diary
Provide leadership and maintain discipline in the newsroom Ensure the meeting of deadlines for timely production of the newspapers. News Editor, 10/2001 - 03/2011
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) - Harare, Zimbabwe Identifying and initiating news stories
Assigning reporters, producers, and writers
Oversee, coordinate, and manage the editorial content for all news bulletins on television and radio Managing and coordinating editorial staff, including budgeting, managing leave, writing reports Managing the newsroom, including news staff and resources daily and coordinating the national news diary
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Editing scripts of reporters, producers, and desk writers Covering breaking stories and special assignments including Presidential trips and state visits Production and presentation of radio and television documentaries Chief Online Editor for online news edition
Providing guidance and editorial direction to reporters, producers and trainees. Bureau Chief, 01/1998 - 09/2001
Zimbabwe Inter-Africa News Agency (ZIANA) - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Writing news stories and features for ZIANA's local and international clients Covering Presidential trips and other high-profile stories Supervising, teaching, and assisting reporters and cadets. MSc: Development Studies, 11/2013
National University of Science and Technology - Zimbabwe B.A : Communication Science, 09/2010
University of South Africa - Pretoria
Diploma: Mass Communication and Journalism, 04/1996 Harare Polytechnic - Zimbabwe
Introduction to Digital Journalism Fact Checking
Leadership & Management International Justice Reporting Multimedia journalism Video production basics
Journalism Broadcast media
Writing & Editing Copyediting & prooofreading
Non-linear editing basics Climate Change
Conflict Sensitive Reporting Research and Writing Public Accountability Reports
Content Development Print Media
Content production Social Media
Microsoft office Interviewing techniques
Political and Economic Risk analysis Networking
Selected for prestigious fellowships such as the Edward Murrow Program for Journalists in the United States and the Inside International Justice program in the Netherlands. Received the esteemed honor of Environmental Reporter of the Year for exceptional efforts in bringing attention to environmental concerns and their societal implications. Attained the esteemed title of Gender Reporter of the Year, recognized for exemplary reporting on gender-related subjects and advocating for gender equality. Commended as a Conflict Sensitive Reporter for consistently providing impartial and sensitive coverage of conflicts. Spearheaded the successful integration of AMH's diverse newsrooms, pioneering the implementation of the Digital First Strategy.