Hi, I’m kati weis.
I am a passionate broadcast news professional with 11 years of experience in the news media industry.
I was born and raised in Mobile, Ala., graduating from St. Paul’s Episcopal School, where I first found my love of storytelling as the Editor In Chief of the school newspaper. In 2013, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in communication and Spanish from Denison University, one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, in Granville, Ohio. In 2020, I received a master's degree in legal studies from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Currently, I serve as an investigative reporter for CBS News Colorado in Denver — one of the top 20 largest local news markets in the country. Read my bio on the CBS News Colorado website by clicking here.
I have a personal mission to help others through my work, and I strive to affect positive change in every assignment I tackle. I currently reside in Denver, Colo., with my husband, Franz, where we enjoy skiing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and dancing! I’m a dedicated worker with a can-do attitude, who will aim to exceed expectations every day.
QUALIFICATIONS
-Bilingual in English and Spanish
-Advanced video shooting and editing skills in Final Cut Pro X, Avid, and Adobe Creative Cloud programs
-Expertise in operating DSLR and ENG cameras, as well as light kits and microphones, for b-roll and interview shoots
-National and local feature and investigative news story writing and producing experience
-Advanced social media expertise in all major platforms and social media publishing systems, including True Anthem
-Sharp, creative writer, trained in AP Style for print and online copy writing, script writing for broadcast, and legal motion writing, including Blue Book format
-Capable of breaking down complex details and concepts into easy-to-understand language for viewers and readers
-Detail-oriented researcher with advanced data analysis skills in programs like Excel and Google Sheets, and data visualization skills in programs such a Flourish, DataWrapper, Google Earth, and Google MyMaps
-Advanced knowledge of CMS platforms such as WordPress and Prism
-Tenacious on-camera presentation and public speaking skills
-Organized, thoughtful, analytical, collaborative team player
-Calm under pressure and tight deadlines
-Energetic, positive, glass half-full attitude
-Experienced in stakeholder and source engagement and professional relationship-building skills
-Press release and speech writing expertise
-Advanced knowledge of all Microsoft Office programs
-Daily user of workplace communication programs including Microsoft Teams and Slack
-Proficient in iNews and ENPS news show producing software
work experience
2019-present
-Investigative Reporter and Producer at KCNC CBS News Colorado
-Publish monthly special reports and daily news stories concerning a variety of topics, including education, crime, politics, pollution, corruption, tax dollar waste, and human interest stories
-Responsible for video shooting, non-linear video editing, researching, interviewing, writing, and presenting on-camera live and pre-recorded short- and long-form investigative reports on-air and online
-Responsible for finding and pitching compelling story ideas
-Responsible for checking the station's tip line and dispersing viable tips to appropriate staff in the newsroom
-Responsible for regular posting of social media content on company social media platforms, using digital management systems such as True Anthem
-Responsible for regular publishing of news content and stories in AP style to company website using content management systems such as Prism and Wordpress
-Responsible for submitting regular open records requests & conducting data analyses using Excel & other data visualization tools
-Selected to serve as a station representative for the national CBS Television Stations Group investigative and special content meetings and projects, in which I collaborate with news professionals across the country to create unique, in-demand news content to drive more eyes to CBS reporting nationwide
-Responsible for revising and copy editing other reporters' writing, and producing investigative reports for the station’s lead investigative reporter
-Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with community members, public relations specialists, politicians, law enforcement officials, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and business leaders
-Responsible for planning, making appearances, speaking, and volunteering at company-sponsored events, including career days for schools and fundraising events for local nonprofits
-I was selected in Spring 2022 to serve as the station's representative for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland EMMY Awards Board of Governors. Months later, the board voted to appoint me as board Secretary. As a Governor and Secretary, I help the NATAS organization raise money, hold special events and awards ceremonies, and complete deliverables. I also now serve as the Chair of the organization's Student Production Awards Committee.
2019
-Educational Justice Externship, Chalkbeat
-As part of my master of legal studies program, I obtained a paid three-month educational justice writing externship, in which I researched and wrote about various educational justice issues impacting Coloradans, and worked with a legal advisor regarding relevant case law on such matters.
2018
-Licensed Private Investigator, M&M Investigations
-Worked various worker’s compensation cases in Colorado, wrote case reports for clients, and submitted undercover video of subjects in question to clients
2016-2018
-Investigative Reporter and Fill-In Anchor at WALA FOX10 News in Mobile, AL
-In addition to most of the responsibilities listed in my current position, I was the lead investigative reporter for I-Team awarded best investigative unit in the state four years in a row
-Worked one-on-one with Meredith Corporation’s General Counsel on controversial special reports and public records access lawsuits
-Responsible for serving, on a frequent basis, as a substitute news anchor for news shows anytime between 4am to 11pm when other anchors were out
-Responsible for anchoring local Mardi Gras parades annually
2013-2016
-Multi-media Journalist at WALA FOX10 News in Mobile, AL
2013
-Web Producer and Reporter at WJHG NewsChannel 7
2012-2013
-News Intern at WBNS 10TV News in Columbus, OH
2012
-News Intern at WALA FOX10 News in Mobile, AL
2011
-News Intern at Castilla-La Mancha Televisión in Toledo, Spain
-News Intern at WKBW Channel 7 Eyewitness News in Buffalo, NY
2010
-News Intern at WKRG News 5 in Mobile, AL
-News Intern at WCLT T100 Radio in Heath, OH
Awards
2019-2020
-University of Denver Sturm College of Law Merit Scholarship Recipient
2019
-Edward R. Murrow Award, Region 9, Best Investigative Reporting
-Winning story: “Daycare Dangers” uncovered more than 8,000 violations at local daycares
2018
-Society of Environmental Journalists National Kevin Carmody Award for Outstanding In-Depth Reporting - Honorable Mention
-Winning story: “Toxic Release” exposed a dangerous chlorine leak in a marginalized community north of Mobile. Because of my reporting, police received respirators, and the community received a more effective notification system for future emergencies.
-Three Alabama Associated Press Awards: Best Reporter, Best Investigative Reporting, and Best Documentary
-Three Alabama Broadcaster’s Association ABBY Awards: Reporter of the Year, Best Hard News Reporting, and Best Investigative Reporting
-Alabama Broadcaster’s Association Judge’s Merit of Honor Award for Best Documentary
2017
-Alabama Broadcaster’s Association ABBY Award for Best Investigative Reporting
-Winning story: “Testing the Waters” exposed dangers with lead content in local drinking water. As a result of my story, the state of Alabama announced it would help all public schools across the state begin testing for lead for the first time
-Alabama Associated Press Award Finalist for Best Investigative Reporting
2009-2013
-Denison University Alumni Award Scholarship Recipient
LEADERSHIP ROLES
2022-present
-Board Member & Secretary, Board of Governors, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland Chapter EMMY Awards
-Chair, Student Production Awards Committee, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Heartland Chapter EMMY Awards
-Committee Member, Colorado Broadcaster’s Association Legislative Affairs Committee
-CBS Colorado station representative, CBS Television Stations Investigators Meetings
2016-2018
-Board Member, Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors
-Chair, FOX10 News (WALA-TV) Go Green Committee