Sakina M. Bowser
About Me
Professional info
I’ve known since I was 12 that I wanted to work in television news—and I’ve been working toward that goal ever since. I got my start writing for my university newspaper, then became a one-woman operation for the campus newscast. Today, I produce a full hour of news professionally and am proud to be an award-winning newscast producer.
Beyond producing, I’ve trained associate producers in writing, building shows, and navigating breaking news. My experience also includes booth producing, coordinating in-studio interviews, field producing, and assisting with live shots. I’m a self-starter who takes initiative, but I’m also not afraid to ask questions when it matters. When something needs to get done, I’m usually the first to jump in and make it happen.
2022:
News & Doc Emmys: Outstanding Live Breaking News Coverage Nomination for Hurricane Ian Coverage
2018:
1st place - Newscast for Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Griot Drum Awards
1st place - Producer compilation for Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Griot Drum Awards
2nd place - Producer for FL Associated Press of Broadcasters
2nd place - Non-breaking newscast for FL Associated Press of Broadcasters
2019:
2nd place - Producer - FL Associated Press of Broadcasters
Presidential Award - FL Associated Press of Broadcasters
1st place - Newscast for Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Griot Drum Awards
1st place - Producer compilation for Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists Griot Drum Awards
Skills
Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Newscutter, Aurora Edit SDR, Final Cut Pro, Live Type, Interplay, Ardome, ENPS, iNews, Pathfire, Newsource, Music Minor, Sony DSR-PD 170, Sony HVR-V1U, 360 Audio Board, and Microsoft Office
Work experience
News12 New Jersey
Senior Producer
April 2025 - Present
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Lead editorial production of daily 30-minute live newscasts, making real-time decisions on breaking news, story placement, and overall broadcast flow
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Oversee a continuous four-hour news wheel, updating rundowns and scripts to reflect evolving coverage and developing stories
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Direct cross-functional teams including producers, reporters, anchors, and technical staff to ensure seamless execution under deadline pressure
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Assign and shape live field coverage, guiding reporters to strengthen storytelling and maintain editorial consistency
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Mentor and develop producers, improving newsroom efficiency, decision-making, and show quality
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Conceptualize graphics and visual elements to enhance storytelling and viewer engagement
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Pitch and develop original story ideas, contributing to daily editorial strategy and coverage planning
NBCUniversal (New York City)
Segment Producer/ Line Producer
August 2022 - February 2025
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Produced, shaped interviews and segments for a nationally broadcast live two-hour newscast, contributing to editorial direction and daily content strategy
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Collaborated with correspondents, anchors, and contributors to develop and refine live hits and scripts in fast-paced news environments
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Pitched and produced enterprise stories and recurring segments, expanding coverage beyond breaking news
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Wrote and edited scripts for live and taped content
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Coordinated live production elements including timing, guest booking, and control room communication for seamless broadcasts
Paramount (New York City)
Content Producer/ Line Producer
March 2020 - July 2022
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Produced live and taped segments for global streaming audiences, contributing to programming viewed in nearly 90 countries
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Covered major political and breaking news events, contributing to election and policy-related programming
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Led control room execution during breaking news and live events, adapting coverage in real time
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Guided production staff and junior team members through high-pressure newsroom workflows
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Pitched and developed stories contributing to large-scale audience reach across digital platforms
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Managed dynamic rundowns within a four-hour news wheel, continuously updating content as stories evolved
WTSP 10News (St. Petersburg, FL)
Producer
Nov. 2016 - Nov. 2019
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Produced and line-produced one-hour newscasts, overseeing scripts, timing, and live coverage execution
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Contributed to broader editorial direction across the full 2.5-hour program, supporting story development, script refinement, and segment production beyond assigned hour
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Supervised reporters, anchors, and production staff to ensure cohesive storytelling and deadline adherence
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Trained and mentored producers in writing, visual storytelling, and control room operations
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Managed breaking news coverage, coordinating multiple live elements simultaneously
WINK News (Fort Myers, FL)
Producer
Aug 2013 - Nov. 2016
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Produced newscasts ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours, including live and pre-produced segments
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Booked and coordinated guest appearances and feature segments
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Developed daily news packages highlighting top stories and key moments
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Collaborated closely with anchors and reporters to adapt coverage during breaking news
40/29 News (Fayetteville, AR)
Producer
Oct 2011 - July 2013
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Built and executed daily newscasts, managing scripts, timing, and live production elements
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Coordinated field crews including reporters and photographers to meet broadcast deadlines
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Wrote and published digital content to support on-air coverage
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Managed live shots and adjusted rundowns during breaking news situations
The Daily Connection (New York City)
Digital Journalist
Aug 2010 - Jan 2011
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Edit 4 to 5 stories each day for broadcast (VO/SOTs and teases).
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Submit story ideas.
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Produced original packages.
WTXL-ABC (Tallahassee, FL)
Editor
Oct 2009 - August 2010
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Edit national packages, teases, VO/SOTs, and kickers for 11 pm newscast.
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Archive old newscasts.
Education
Florida A&M University
December 2008
Bachelor of Science, Broadcast Journalism
Affiliations
Florida Associated Press of Broadcasters
President, 2018 - 2019
Board Member, 2015 - 2017
National Association of Black Journalists