Ben Ratner

Director of News Technology at WFXT Boston 25 News
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, US
Skills

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Jeffrey Lee Simons

Ben was in my first class of interns at StarTalk, but I was the lucky one. I got even luckier when he came to work for us. He hates sentimental stuff, so I won't regale you with his surprisingly diverse skill set, his boundless enthusiasm, and his passion for high quality creative. I will simply say this: a year ago, when someone asked me who the most important person at StarTalk was, other than Neil deGrasse Tyson, I said it was Ben. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Britt Dvorak

Ben is a great assets to any team. He brings enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Not only is he a joy to be around, but he is also an extremely hard worker. Any company would be lucky to have him. I hope I can work with him again one day!

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Credentials

  • Tricaster Certified Operator
    NewTek
    Feb, 2016
    - Nov, 2024

Experience

  • WFXT Boston 25 News
    • United States
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Director of News Technology
      • Mar 2023 - Present

      This position is responsible for providing the advancement, leadership, process optimization, and strategic direction of the technical operations for the newsroom and the CMG station group. As a key member of the newsroom leadership team this person will liaise closely with local station News and Engineering Management, various CMG properties, as well as CMG VP-Technical Operations to define, plan, assist with budgeting and implementation of technical strategies for the news operations. On a day-to-day basis the Director of News Technology is responsible for ensuring the superior quality of WFXT news video and audio on all platforms. * Establish and implement short and long-range technical systems and operating procedures for the local news department, various CMG properties and Corporate directives. * Manage and plan project and operating budget expense lines. * Work closely with Engineering to plan, coordinate and implement news-related systems. * Perform administrative duties on all key newsroom computer software systems. Implement and assure backup staffing in these areas. * Work closely with CMG Digital groups, both at the local station in addition to CMG Corporate, to innovate newsroom and web-based initiatives as well as new ventures. * Keep abreast of state-of-the-art developments through attendance at trade shows and seminars. * Provide frequent updates to Corporate management on successes, trials and evaluations of burgeoning Newsroom and field technologies. * Newsroom receive editors and photographers will report to this position as well as the responsibility of administration of their compensation, scheduling, performance reviews, training and development. * Assist engineering and operations staff with the maintenance and administration of fleet vehicles. * Manage the overall operation of live transmission, remote production and files-based transmission technologies. * Ensure employees accomplish their duties using safe work practices Show less

  • BenMakesTV.com
    • Freelance
      • Sep 2006 - Present

      I work with clients on live & multicam production, video production, digital & social media. I work with clients on live & multicam production, video production, digital & social media.

  • CNN
    • United States
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Live Operations Manager, CNN
      • Sep 2021 - Mar 2023

      I was on the launch team for CNN+. I designed and maintained cloud workflows for live production. I managed a team of directors and worked closely with the senior producers and dozens of people on the editorial and production teams to broadcast 2-3 shows per day. I worked closely with CNN’s A-list talent including Anderson Cooper, Wolf Blitzer, Erin Burnett, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Directing and switching live and near live digital shows Managing a small team of live production specialists Work with technical and editorial staff to develop, implement and improve our digital live control room systems Maintain a detailed live production schedule and the staffing to support it Troubleshoot technical problems against tight editorial deadlines Train and evangelize new workflows for production teams Work hand in hand with editorial partners Administer live tools in AWS that ensure flexible and resilient production standards Work with engineering staff from across the organization to support mission critical tools Show less

  • The Arena Group
    • United States
    • Technology, Information and Media
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Senior Director
      • Dec 2019 - Sep 2021

      I am the director and technical director for live and live-to-tape content for Sports Illustrated and Jim Cramer's TheStreet. Working with internal and external stakeholders, I design and build efficient and flexible multi-camera broadcast studios. I also train talent (of all skill levels) to look their best for recorded and live video content. Additionally, I facilitate on-screen branding initiatives, including the design and production of new graphics packages. I am the director and technical director for live and live-to-tape content for Sports Illustrated and Jim Cramer's TheStreet. Working with internal and external stakeholders, I design and build efficient and flexible multi-camera broadcast studios. I also train talent (of all skill levels) to look their best for recorded and live video content. Additionally, I facilitate on-screen branding initiatives, including the design and production of new graphics packages.

  • Sports Illustrated
    • United States
    • Book and Periodical Publishing
    • 300 - 400 Employee
    • Senior Director
      • Dec 2019 - Sep 2021

      I am the director and technical director for live and live-to-tape content for Sports Illustrated. Working with internal and external stakeholders, I design and build efficient and flexible multi-camera broadcast studios. I also train talent (of all skill levels) to look their best for recorded and live video content. Additionally, I facilitate on-screen branding initiatives, including the design and production of new graphics packages. I am the director and technical director for live and live-to-tape content for Sports Illustrated. Working with internal and external stakeholders, I design and build efficient and flexible multi-camera broadcast studios. I also train talent (of all skill levels) to look their best for recorded and live video content. Additionally, I facilitate on-screen branding initiatives, including the design and production of new graphics packages.

  • TheStreet
    • United States
    • Online Audio and Video Media
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Senior Director
      • Dec 2019 - Sep 2021

      I am the director and technical director for live and live-to-tape content for Jim Cramer's TheStreet. Working with internal and external stakeholders, I design and build efficient and flexible multi-camera broadcast studios. I also train talent (of all skill levels) to look their best for recorded and live video content. Additionally, I facilitate on-screen branding initiatives, including the design and production of new graphics packages. I am the director and technical director for live and live-to-tape content for Jim Cramer's TheStreet. Working with internal and external stakeholders, I design and build efficient and flexible multi-camera broadcast studios. I also train talent (of all skill levels) to look their best for recorded and live video content. Additionally, I facilitate on-screen branding initiatives, including the design and production of new graphics packages.

  • All Mobile Video
    • United States
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Trainer / Operator
      • Jan 2016 - Dec 2019

      I am a Certified Tricaster Professional Line Operator. I train and operate on Tricaster products for existing and potential clients. I am a Certified Tricaster Professional Line Operator. I train and operate on Tricaster products for existing and potential clients.

  • StarTalk Radio with Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Digital Producer
      • Dec 2015 - Dec 2019

      I am responsible for all technical aspects of recording the video podcast. I worked with producers to create the look and feel for the show (and the two spin-off series 'StarTalk All-Stars' and 'Playing with Science'). During the recordings, I am the director and TD. I also work with the marketing team to grow the audience and create engaging fan experiences. Other duties:- Content Manager- Promotions producer- Expand distribution- Feed bad jokes to the comic co-hosts- Remote production / live events- Run back-end for the subscription service- YouTube Manager- Snapchat Manager Show less

    • Content Manager
      • Mar 2016 - Jul 2017

      I work with our distribution platforms to create a better experience for the audience. I strategically write copy for YouTube descriptions and use cards and other metadata to give our videos the best possible exposure.

  • CUNY New York City College of Technology
    • Greater New York City Area
    • Adjunct Lecturer
      • Jan 2018 - May 2018

      I taught a course in Video Studio Operations, with a focus in multi-camera and live production. I taught a course in Video Studio Operations, with a focus in multi-camera and live production.

  • Al Roker Entertainment, Inc
    • United States
    • Media Production
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Live Streaming Producer
      • May 2016 - Jul 2017

      I ran live and multi-camera production Roker Media - I elevated content & experiences for Facebook Live, Periscope, YouNow, YouTube, & more. Born out of Al Roker Entertainment's Roker Labs division, we are an early adopter of live streaming video, identifying the tremendous opportunity in this medium, partnering with influencers, brands, and publishers, and creating elevated content and experiences native to each platform. My Role: • Develop social and technical strategy & communicate market position and value proposition • Experiment with new partners and platforms to find best practices • Develop programming, experiences, & brand integration opportunities • Identify new business and growth opportunities • Lead Roker Labs initiatives, including thought leadership, strategy, research • Direct and produce live shows, including "Bold" and "Behind The Velvet Rope" • Direct and produce special events, including "Avenue Q Presidential Debate" and "Tag Heuer Fashion Show" • Technical produce massive 6-camera fully crewed talk show on Facebook Live - "Never Settle Show with Mario Armstrong'' - 2008 New York Emmy® Award Winner Show less

  • The Anthony Cumia Show
    • Greater New York City Area
    • Director
      • Aug 2014 - Feb 2016

      I was the multicam director for a two-hour daily web talk show starring Anthony Cumia (formerly of Opie and Anthony). I also directed and produced many shows including NYC Crime Report with Pat Dixon and the East Side Dave Show. My responsibilities included mixing audio, running the switcher, creating graphics, quickly finding relevant information (websites and videos) to put on screen, monitoring social media for relevant comments, responding to Anthony on the mic, strategically posting to social media, and more. I ran the show using a Tricaster 460 with Advanced Edition. I planned and oversaw remote production of the show when we went live outside our home studio. We have done shows everywhere from Anthony's backyard swimming pool to Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Connecticut. I was responsible for incorporating new technology into the show on a tight budget. Off the air, I looked for content that is of interest to Anthony and the show's audience. I also advised the executive producer, advertising and marketing managers on how to non-obtrusively introduce advertising and promotions into our show. I was also a part of the development of the new app and website- I made suggestions and promoted best practices for a successful app and website. I spent countless hours entering metadata for each episode. Show less

  • Star Talk Radio with Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Greater New York City Area
    • Video Producer & Editor
      • May 2013 - Dec 2015

      Created a new end screen, updated graphics, branding and annotations. Make changes based on analytics and audience engagement. Record and edit videos for the channel. Some guests include Bill Nye the Science Guy and Eugene Mirman. Created a new end screen, updated graphics, branding and annotations. Make changes based on analytics and audience engagement. Record and edit videos for the channel. Some guests include Bill Nye the Science Guy and Eugene Mirman.

  • Great Neck South Middle School
    • United States
    • Individual and Family Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Teaching Assistant / Studio Assistant
      • Sep 2014 - Jul 2015

      ***AS SEEN ON CBS NEW YORK*** http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/12/11/great-neck-south-middle-school-tv-production-program-going-strong-for-over-60-years/ - Oversee the production of a LIVE morning news show (completely run by 7th and 8th grade students) - Create and assignments for television production classes - Work with the teacher to help students with television and film production, in and out of class - Edit programming for two cable channels - Update and maintain website - Introduce new technologies to the students and staff - Oversee live multi-camera shoots (crewed by students) - Bring in industry professionals to hang out with the kids (SNL Director Beth McCarthy Miller, NBC New York weatherman Steve Villanueva) - Lead a series of popular Video for iPad in the Classroom classes for faculty and staff - General equipment maintenance - Ran the TV Studio club at Great Neck North Middle School - Instruction in camera skills, announcing, presentation, lighting, set design, audio, and post production - Coordinate setup locations, scheduling, lighting, sound, and other needs for remote productions - Safe transportation of equipment during remote productions - Assisted students with script development, writing and editing - Instruction in studio and field directing Show less

  • PATV
    • Producer / Co-Creator / News Director / Director - Local News Show
      • May 2013 - May 2015

      I am one of the founding producers of a local news show "North Shore News" on PATV. I helped structure the show with everything from structure to graphics. I was involved in training the cast, crew and writers on how to do what they have to do. After passing the show on to the full-time team, I served as a consulting producer, news-writer, and story editor. I am one of the founding producers of a local news show "North Shore News" on PATV. I helped structure the show with everything from structure to graphics. I was involved in training the cast, crew and writers on how to do what they have to do. After passing the show on to the full-time team, I served as a consulting producer, news-writer, and story editor.

  • NY1 News
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Freelance Technical Operator
      • Jul 2014 - Sep 2014

      Robotic Camera Operator Audio Mixer + Mix minus for IFB Teleprompter Weather Graphics Playback Robotic Camera Operator Audio Mixer + Mix minus for IFB Teleprompter Weather Graphics Playback

  • Ithaca College Television
    • United States
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Producer / Host
      • Feb 2014 - May 2014

      I was the host and producer of a weekly half-hour podcast called The Sparkcast. It featured interviews with Ithaca College Park School of Communications professors and faculty about their out-of-the-classroom work and experiences.Check it out at www.ictv.org/sparkcast

    • Producer / Director
      • Sep 2010 - May 2014

      2014 Award for Excellence in Studio DirectionSpecial Mention - Best Regularly Scheduled Local News Program by the New York State Associated Press Broadcasters AssociationPositions:Director - Fake Out (Game Show)Director - Newswatch 16 (Local News Show)Photog / Videojournalist - Newswatch 16 (Local News Show)On-Air Graphic Designer - Newswatch 16 (Local News Show)Graphic Wipe Designer - Newswatch 16 (Local News Show)Technical Coordinator - The Director's Chair (Independent and Student Film Talk Show)Technical Director - Fake Out (Game Show)Technical Director - The Encore (Music Performance and Talk Show)Producer & Director – Backstage Comedy (Improvisational Comedy Web Show)Director & Technical Director - The Screening Room: Director's Corner (Weekly Indie Film Show)Director, Assistant Director, Tape Operations, Camera, Chyron, Audio – Newswatch 16 (Weekly Local News Show)Technical Director, Assistant Director, Camera & On Air Promotions – Experts Say (Political & Current Events Talk Show)Technical Coordinator - Election Center - Live 4-hour local and national election night coverage (Nominated for Best Special Broadcast for the 2013 CBI Awards) Show less

  • Ithaca College
    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Promotions Team Leader - Senior Class Gift Committee
      • Aug 2013 - May 2014

      I worked with a committee of 10 others to raise money for the Ithaca College Alumni Fund from the Senior Class of 2014. We had nearly 600 gifts and raised over $10,000.As the Promotions Team Leader, I worked with a team of three to creatively promote the campaign to the senior class.

    • Social Media Production Team Leader
      • Feb 2012 - May 2014

      I led the video production part of the social media team. I worked with a selected team of college students along with the marketing communications department to develop social media strategy for the college's social media networks.I found events that should be promoted, work with other promotions teams from individual schools, and plan out exactly how to promote them using our resources.

    • Teacher's Assistant / Technician
      • Feb 2011 - May 2014

      Classes: sPark - Igniting Your Future In Communications, Program Development for Entertainment Media, The Intersection of Politics and Comedy with Seth Meyers, The Twitter Revolution with Carl QuintinillaI ran the technological parts of class, including running Skype calls, monitoring Twitter feeds, video recording and making sure all multimedia needs run smoothly.

    • Dean's Host
      • Dec 2010 - May 2014

      I gave tours of the Park School of Communications at Ithaca College to prospective students. I provided information about all of our majors, opportunities, and facilities. Tour groups ranged in size from one family to 50 visitors.

    • Senior Audio Visual Technician
      • Sep 2010 - May 2014

      Set, run & strike light, sound, multi-camera video & projection equipment for various concerts and events, working closely with clients.

  • WICB 91.7 FM
    • United States
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Newscaster
      • Sep 2010 - May 2014

      I gather, write & report national, international, regional, and local news for the airwaves and the internet.

    • Webmaster
      • Apr 2011 - Apr 2012

      Updated and maintained the website for WICB at www.wicb.org.

  • NYC Media
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Production Assistant / Assistant Editor
      • May 2013 - Aug 2013

      Editing online bonus content for the new show "The Big Quiz Thing" on NYC Life. Defining the style, feel and pace of the online extra videos Fast turn-over Media research Working around Copyright restrictions (focusing on Creative Commons and Public Domain) Editing online bonus content for the new show "The Big Quiz Thing" on NYC Life. Defining the style, feel and pace of the online extra videos Fast turn-over Media research Working around Copyright restrictions (focusing on Creative Commons and Public Domain)

  • Public Access Television Studio
    • Director / Freelance
      • Sep 2008 - Jul 2013

      Directing, crewing, editing, online posting, technical consulting, freelance video and post production *Award: National Hometown Media Award for Best Non-Professional PSA* Directing, crewing, editing, online posting, technical consulting, freelance video and post production *Award: National Hometown Media Award for Best Non-Professional PSA*

  • Conan
    • United States
    • Entertainment Providers
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Control Room Intern
      • Jan 2013 - May 2013

      - Assist with control room operations during rehersals and show tapings - Collect credit changes for the Chyron operator - Handle the main phone line into the control room - Deliver show recordings and rundowns to Host, Talent and Executive Producer - Transcribe other late-night talk shows for the writing staff - Assist the entire production team - Various office duties - Make bad jokes, for no one but myself Also, I was on the show! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZoCMk74KcI Show less

  • News 12
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 200 - 300 Employee
    • Production Intern
      • May 2012 - Aug 2012

      Ran eight robotic cameras for four news shows per day, and shadowed other departments and production staff. Ran eight robotic cameras for four news shows per day, and shadowed other departments and production staff.

  • Great Neck Public Schools Television
    • Great Neck, NY
    • Producer / Assistant
      • Oct 2006 - Aug 2012

      Summer 2012 Assisted crews of around 20 students at five graduations over three days - using the Sony Anycast and our Production Truck Edited three graduations on a tight deadline Edited and assisted with video production of a 300K Grant application for a local school Set up website for the studio Advised studio director on purchases and studio modifications, including a new news set Created a display board showcasing the studio's history Worked with a small group of employees on miscellaneous projects 2006-2010 • Planed, produced, crewed, directed, edited, and distributed programming for TV and DVD • Taught students and staff how to use complex television equipment Show less

  • NYC Media
    • Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Production Intern
      • May 2011 - Aug 2011

      Created promotional spots for the channel’s programming, reels, organizing media with thousands of items per project, and assisting producers and editors. www.nyc.gov/media Created promotional spots for the channel’s programming, reels, organizing media with thousands of items per project, and assisting producers and editors. www.nyc.gov/media

  • YouTube
    • Vlogger
      • Jun 2010 - Jun 2011

      Vlogged weekly about a specific topic or idea for a small audience. Vlogged weekly about a specific topic or idea for a small audience.

  • Night Agency
    • United States
    • Advertising Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Production Intern
      • Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

      Edited single and multi-cam footage on deadlines. Clients included Hanes, Bloomingdales, The Whitney, & Keds. Edited single and multi-cam footage on deadlines. Clients included Hanes, Bloomingdales, The Whitney, & Keds.

  • Northern Lights
    • United States
    • Entertainment Providers
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Production Intern
      • Jun 2010 - Aug 2010

      I logged tapes and delivered tapes, assisted producers and editors, and learned the basics of Avid and After Effects. I logged tapes and delivered tapes, assisted producers and editors, and learned the basics of Avid and After Effects.

  • The Cutting Edge News
    • Data Entry
      • Mar 2010 - Aug 2010

      I uploaded articles, found graphics, and proofread articles through a Content Management System. I uploaded articles, found graphics, and proofread articles through a Content Management System.

Education

  • Ithaca College
    Bachelor's Degree, Television / Radio
    2010 - 2014
  • National High School Institute
    Film & Video
    2009 - 2009

Community

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