I'm a versatile journalist and storyteller with more than 25 years of experience across broadcast and digital news. I excel in real-time reporting, multimedia content creation, and cross-platform storytelling, delivering accurate, engaging coverage that resonates with diverse audiences. From global desks to local outlets, I’ve built strong media relations and collaborated across cultures to produce stories with global relevance. My background spans international reporting, on-air presentation, and video editing for social media and broadcast, driven by curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to informing the public.

Jeff Custer

I'm a versatile journalist and storyteller with more than 25 years of experience across broadcast and digital news. I excel in real-time reporting, multimedia content creation, and cross-platform storytelling, delivering accurate, engaging coverage that resonates with diverse audiences. From global desks to local outlets, I’ve built strong media relations and collaborated across cultures to produce stories with global relevance. My background spans international reporting, on-air presentation, and video editing for social media and broadcast, driven by curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to informing the public.

Available to hire

I’m a versatile journalist and storyteller with more than 25 years of experience across broadcast and digital news. I excel in real-time reporting, multimedia content creation, and cross-platform storytelling, delivering accurate, engaging coverage that resonates with diverse audiences.

From global desks to local outlets, I’ve built strong media relations and collaborated across cultures to produce stories with global relevance. My background spans international reporting, on-air presentation, and video editing for social media and broadcast, driven by curiosity, integrity, and a commitment to informing the public.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

International Broadcaster/News Writer/Reporter/Digital Video Editing at Voice of America
March 1, 2001 - March 1, 2025
Newswriting, reporting, newscasting as well as audio/video production over a span of 24 years. Delivered accurate news content internationally while engaging in digital video editing and reporting.
Reporter/Newscaster/Newswriter at WAMU-FM/ NPR Affiliate
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2006
Part-time reporter and occasional newscaster for afternoon drive and weekend news programs. Contributed news segments alongside primary role at VOA.
Freelance Writer at Various Media
March 1, 2000 - March 1, 2001
Wrote freelance articles for various media including USA Today, The Washington Post, and America Online. Also acted as grant review reporter and freelance newswriter for Voice of America.
Deputy Director, Political Unit at Fox News Channel
August 1, 1998 - April 1, 2000
Assisted in organizing political coverage for 1998 and 2000 elections, worked as associate producer for Election Night 1998, and contributed to political shows such as Beltway Boys and Fox News Sunday.
Producer/Research Director at The McLaughlin Group
October 1, 1996 - August 1, 1998
Wrote and researched segments for the weekly political talk show, booked and managed panelists helping to deliver insightful political discussions.
Managed Media Outreach at American Advertising Federation
May 1, 1992 - October 1, 1996
Managed media outreach for a 50,000-member association of local advertising clubs, promoting annual national conference and numerous other events.
Deputy Press Secretary, Southern U.S. at Bob Kerrey for President Campaign
November 1, 1991 - March 1, 1992
Served as deputy press secretary responsible for communications across the Southern United States during the presidential campaign.
Press Secretary at U.S. House of Representatives - Rep. Tim Penny
June 1, 1989 - March 1, 1991
Managed press relations and media communications for the Congressman.
Radio-Television Coordinator, DFL Caucus at Minnesota House of Representatives
May 1, 1985 - June 1, 1989
Coordinated radio and television coverage for the DFL Caucus in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
News Director at WDSM/KZIO Radio Duluth, MN
April 1, 1983 - May 1, 1985
Directed news coverage for local Duluth radio stations.
General Assignment Reporter, Regional Desk at Eau Claire Leader-Telegram
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1983
Reported on general assignments for a regional newspaper based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
International Broadcaster/News Writer/Reporter/Digital Video Editor at Voice of America
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2025
Delivered high-impact news coverage across online, radio, and television platforms. Reported from Africa, East Asia Pacific, and Latin America; produced video news for social media and global broadcasts; wrote, produced, and voiced hourly radio newscasts; collaborated with international colleagues to develop globally relevant stories.
Reporter & Newscaster (Part-time, Concurrent with VOA) at WAMU-FM/NPR Affiliate – Washington, DC
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006
Conducted interviews, wrote and produced news and feature stories; delivered on-air news broadcasts for NPR audiences; contributed to timely and engaging updates.
Freelance Journalist at Various Media Outlets – Washington, DC
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2001
Editorial writing for USA Today, The Washington Post, and America Online; grant reporting and detailed analysis for review processes.
Deputy Director, Political Unit at Fox News Channel – Washington, DC
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 2000
Election coverage: Assisted in organizing political reporting for major elections; production management: served as associate producer for Election Night coverage.

Education

Master of Arts in Journalism & Public Affairs at American University, Washington, DC
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Education