I am a dedicated Senior Producer specializing in podcasts and vodcasts, currently leading editorial and production strategies for flagship daily shows at USA TODAY NETWORK / Gannett. With a strong background in narrative-driven and investigative audio storytelling, I collaborate across teams to ensure content aligns with brand values while engaging audiences effectively. I thrive in fast-paced, high-performance newsrooms and champion kindness, accuracy, and innovation. Beyond production, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of journalists as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. My expertise spans editorial framing, sound design, live show direction, and breaking news coverage, with a deep commitment to equity-driven sourcing and audience-centered journalism. I continuously integrate advanced audio production techniques and industry trends to deliver exceptional and award-winning content.

Kaely Monahan

I am a dedicated Senior Producer specializing in podcasts and vodcasts, currently leading editorial and production strategies for flagship daily shows at USA TODAY NETWORK / Gannett. With a strong background in narrative-driven and investigative audio storytelling, I collaborate across teams to ensure content aligns with brand values while engaging audiences effectively. I thrive in fast-paced, high-performance newsrooms and champion kindness, accuracy, and innovation. Beyond production, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of journalists as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. My expertise spans editorial framing, sound design, live show direction, and breaking news coverage, with a deep commitment to equity-driven sourcing and audience-centered journalism. I continuously integrate advanced audio production techniques and industry trends to deliver exceptional and award-winning content.

Available to hire

I am a dedicated Senior Producer specializing in podcasts and vodcasts, currently leading editorial and production strategies for flagship daily shows at USA TODAY NETWORK / Gannett. With a strong background in narrative-driven and investigative audio storytelling, I collaborate across teams to ensure content aligns with brand values while engaging audiences effectively. I thrive in fast-paced, high-performance newsrooms and champion kindness, accuracy, and innovation.

Beyond production, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of journalists as a faculty associate at Arizona State University. My expertise spans editorial framing, sound design, live show direction, and breaking news coverage, with a deep commitment to equity-driven sourcing and audience-centered journalism. I continuously integrate advanced audio production techniques and industry trends to deliver exceptional and award-winning content.

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Work Experience

Senior Producer, Podcasts & Vodcasts at USA TODAY NETWORK / Gannett
September 1, 2024 - Present
Lead editorial and production strategy for a flagship daily podcast and vodcast, managing episode structure, sourcing, scripting, booking, and post-production. Pitch and produce narrative-driven episodes across politics, culture, technology, and health while integrating audience engagement metrics. Coordinate cross-functionally with editorial, sales, and product teams to align content with brand and organizational goals. Support breaking news and special coverage as a deputy executive producer, overseeing workflow management. Pioneered creation of social media shorts to expand audience reach and foster a newsroom culture centered on kindness, accuracy, and innovation.
Senior Podcast Producer at The Arizona Republic / Gannett
September 30, 2024 - August 4, 2025
Spearheaded a longform investigative podcast series on Arizona’s political extremism, directing sound design and editorial framing from pitch to publication. Managed multiple enterprise-level audio projects ensuring accuracy, inclusivity, and editorial integrity. Led interdisciplinary teams of producers and reporters to develop audience-centered journalism, mentoring junior staff and setting newsroom standards. Scripted and edited diverse content from short news spots to hour-long episodes, applied investigative reporting and fact-checking. Collaborated with hosts on research and interview production for live and recorded segments. Led award-winning enterprise projects including “Arizona HERstory” and “Rediscovering: Roots of Radicalism.”
Freelance Audio Producer at The Press Democrat
January 1, 2024 - Present
Produced and edited podcast episodes for "You Don’t Know Peanuts," enhancing audio structure and sound quality. Mixed archival music to create immersive listening experiences and applied advanced audio cleanup tools. Provided hosts with delivery and recording setup guidance to improve show quality.
Freelance Audio/Podcast Producer at NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast
December 31, 2023 - August 4, 2025
Edited and polished financial podcast episodes to professional standards, incorporating creative sound design and music scoring. Trained hosts on home-recording best practices and interview techniques. Maintained knowledge of audio editing trends and applied best practices across productions.
Faculty Associate at Arizona State University, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
January 1, 2021 - Present
Teach podcasting, audio storytelling, and Adobe Creative Suite software to undergraduate and graduate students. Guide students through end-to-end multimedia project production with emphasis on ethical storytelling and audience awareness. Design and refine audio-video curriculum and mentor aspiring journalists.
Senior Producer at KJZZ’s The Show Phoenix NPR Affiliate
October 31, 2021 - August 4, 2025
Directed over 10 hours of weekly live radio programming with in-depth segments reflecting community needs and national context. Managed a team of five producers to develop daily rundowns, execute live interviews, and maintain editorial quality. Partnered with community groups to diversify sources and amplify underrepresented voices. Integrated sound-rich production elements to improve broadcast quality and listener engagement.
Weekend Breaking News Reporter at KTAR
December 31, 2016 - August 4, 2025
Led weekend breaking news coverage producing timely and accurate radio newscasts under tight deadlines. Conducted interviews, monitored wire services, and crafted reports for local and national distribution. Coordinated with ABC News Radio for stories of national relevance with a local perspective.
Entertainment Reporter/Editor at East Valley Tribune / GetOut Magazine
March 31, 2016 - August 4, 2025
Reported on local arts and culture through feature stories and reviews in a biweekly entertainment section. Managed and mentored 2–5 interns per semester, assigning and editing stories to support newsroom development. Created video and social media content to boost digital visibility and connect with the audience.

Education

MA International Journalism at City University London
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Classical Studies at The University of Arizona
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Financial Services