Investigative Journalist & Media Producer

BEN DALTON

********@*****.*** benjamindalton.com 202-***-****

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Experienced investigative researcher, media producer, and program manager with 10+ years creating compelling narratives about complex political and economic topics. Combines advanced research and analytical capabilities with proven expertise in developing, producing, and hosting video and audio content for major media outlets and political campaigns. Skilled at breaking down intricate topics into accessible, engaging stories while maintaining journalistic integrity and driving audience engagement.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MEDIA PRODUCTION & STORYTELLING

Bad Faith Podcast, Washington, DC

Producer (2020-2021)

●Produced independent panel show podcast achieving hundreds of thousands of downloads per episode

●Edited two episodes weekly featuring complex political and economic discussions

●Created promotional video content from interviews for social media and YouTube distribution

Bernie 2020 Presidential Campaign + Friends of Bernie Sanders PAC, Washington, DC

Producer (2019-2020)

●Produced campaign podcast "Hear the Bern," achieving 2.5 million total downloads/plays

●Researched, scripted, recorded, and edited weekly audio and video episodes on complex economic and political issues

●Created engaging short-form promotional content generating tens of thousands of views on campaign social media

●Produced live streams featuring national political figures, reaching millions of viewers

BuzzFeed News, New York, NY

Producer (2018)

●Produced politics podcast "What's Left?" hosted by Sarah Leonard

●Managed full production cycle including research, scripting, booking, editing, and promotion

●Developed stories exploring intricate economic and political concepts for general audiences

GlobalBeat Reporting Project, Cambodia/New York, NY

Reporter, Videographer, and Editor (2017-2018)

●Led field reporting in Cambodia, producing investigative video stories

●Shot and edited multiple stories using DSLM and 360-degree cameras

●Published feature videos with PBS NewsHour and 360 video with the New York Times

●Notable work: "Deported from U.S., Cambodians Fight Immigration Policy," PBS NewsHour, May 2017

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

New America, Washington, DC

Program Manager, Future Frontlines (August 2022 - Present)

●Lead open source investigations into complex international security issues, managing a team of researchers

●Author and produce major research publications breaking down intricate geopolitical dynamics for diverse audiences

●Develop innovative data visualizations and analytical tools that simplify complex relationships and systems

●Design and implement hybrid research methodology combining traditional journalism, OSINT techniques, and data science

●Provide expert commentary for international media outlets, including live television appearances

Research Fellow (August 2021 - August 2022)

●Investigated complex financial and technological ecosystems through in-depth research and analysis

●Authored research briefs analyzing intricate systems and networks for general audiences

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS

The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs, Washington, DC

Director of Communications (2020-2021)

●Directed communications strategy for Central Asia-focused think tank

●Produced digital content including brand videos, live streams, and podcasts

●Created and administered website with interactive data visualizations translating complex research for broader audiences

World Learning, Brooklyn, NY

Digital Communications Director (2014-2016)

●Led digital presence overhaul including web design, analytics, and social media strategy

●Created multimedia content including data visualizations, videos, and written profiles

●Won Videographer Award for scholarship program documentary filmed in Malawi

PUBLISHED WORK & COMMENTARY

Contributor to major media outlets including:

●New York Times, PBS NewsHour, Al Jazeera, The Globe and Mail, Slate

●Regular media commentator on international security issues

Selected commentary:

●"The Wagner Group's Inner Circle: Key Players in Russia's Shadow Army" (New America, February 2025)

●"Escaping the Dollar? Tech Trumps Talk in Russia and Türkiye" (New America, December 2024)

●"Meta's Missteps: A New Database Offers an Unprecedented View into the Company's Reactive, Under-Resourced Moderation Practices" (New America, June 2023)

●"The Alt-Tech Landscape After the Capitol Riots" (New America, January 2023)

●"Insurrection, Inc: What Telegram Tells Us About the Business of Populist Revolt" (New America, September 2022)

●"Mining Parler and Mapping the 'Stop the Steal' Campaign" (Just Security, January 2022)

MEDIA APPEARANCES

Regular on-camera expert commentator for international broadcast media:

●"Leaked Wagner Files Expose Group's Direct Ties to the Kremlin" (United24Media, December 2024)

●"Putin Looks 'Desperate and Weak' After Prigozhin's Demise" (Times Radio, August 2023)

●"Russian Rebellion: Insights into Wagner Group, Threat to Putin" (Arizona PBS, June 2023)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

●Video & Audio Production: Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, Illustrator)

●Data Analysis & Visualization: Python, D3.js, Tableau, network analysis

●Investigative Research: Advanced OSINT certification (Berkeley Human Rights Center), social media monitoring, document analysis

●Digital Content: Content strategy, audience engagement analysis, social media optimization

EDUCATION

New York University, New York City, NY

MA, Journalism & MA, Russian and Slavic Studies (2018)

●3.97 GPA

●Goren Fellow, Stephen Cohen Fellow

Brown University, Providence, RI

BA, International Relations (2010)

●3.95 GPA

●Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa

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