Dan Donahue
Summary
Experienced senior news writer and producer with a strong track record of shaping the voice and editorial direction of top national newscasts. Skilled at writing clear, compelling scripts for live broadcasts, breaking news, and feature segments, with a talent for turning complex stories into engaging television. Trusted leader in high-pressure environments, known for exceptional news judgment, creative segment development, and control room leadership. Collaborates closely with anchors, producers, and digital teams to deliver cohesive, multi-platform storytelling that aligns with network standards and audience expectations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Writer CNN News Central
CNN
02.2024 - Current
- Serve as Senior Writer and lead scriptwriter for high-profile anchors including Kate Bolduan, John Berman, and Sara Sidner
- Write and edit complex scripts under tight deadlines, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and editorial standards
- Design and build dynamic, visually engaging graphics for large-scale video wall presentations
- Select compelling visuals and audio elements to enhance storytelling and drive viewer engagement
- Interpret producer instructions to craft detailed scripts, integrating relevant graphics, video, and sourced information
- Consistently deliver a high volume of high-impact content across breaking news and feature segments
Head Writer, NBC Nightly News
NBC News
09.2014 - 02.2025
- Wrote copy, headlines, banners, and wall graphics for NBC’s flagship broadcast, averaging 7 million viewers and consistently ranking as a top 5 television program
- Collaborated closely with anchors Lester Holt and Brian Williams, as well as editorial leaders, correspondents, and network executives to shape broadcast content
- Created, edited, and distributed The Nightly newsletter to 100,000+ subscribers, curating the day’s top political and cultural stories with editorial precision
- Pitched story ideas and contributed to editorial decision-making as a key member of the newscast editing team
- Delivered fast, accurate copy for breaking news and special reports, adhering to NBC’s high journalistic standards and brand voice
- Worked with the Breaking News and Blogs team and digital editors to help drive national conversation and attract new audiences across platforms
- Demonstrated strong editorial judgment, deep knowledge of politics and culture, and an ability to find engaging, unique story angles in a high-pressure newsroom environment
Senior Writer, The Lead With Jake Tapper
CNN
03.2013 - 09.2014
- Played a key role in launching The Lead with Jake Tapper, helping to establish the show’s editorial voice, tone, and structure
- Wrote high-impact openers, packages, teases, guest segments, and lead copy, often under tight deadlines
- Led a team of writers and producers in crafting a cohesive, hourlong daily newscast with strong editorial direction
- Served as lead scriptwriter, collaborating with Senior Producers to ensure scripts met high journalistic and production standards
- Interpreted editorial instructions to write and format scripts, incorporating video cues, graphic elements, fonting, and director notes
- Flagged and addressed editorial concerns or inconsistencies, helping to maintain the show’s credibility and accuracy
- Provided backup support for package writing, contributing to show readiness and flexibility under breaking news conditions
Segment Producer, Starting Point
CNN
08.2012 - 03.2014
- Produced interviews with high-profile political, sports, and pop culture figures, ensuring compelling and newsworthy content
- Conducted in-depth research on guests to inform live segments and prepare anchors with sharp, relevant questions
- Wrote and edited segment scripts and questions, ensuring consistency with the show's tone and journalistic standards
- Collaborated with producers to generate original segment ideas and creative editorial angles for a daily morning program
- Coordinated closely with correspondents on live shots and script preparation to ensure smooth and accurate on-air delivery
Writer/Producer, CNN Newsroom With Don Lemon
CNN
01.2009 - 08.2012
- Pitched and produced guest segments, pre-taped packages, and field shoots, contributing to dynamic, well-rounded broadcasts
- Wrote clear, conversational scripts in high-pressure breaking news environments, ensuring accuracy and immediacy
Education
Master of Arts -
University At Albany
Albany, New YorkBachelor of Arts - Radio-Television-Film
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TexasSkills
- Broadcast Scriptwriting
- Content Creation & Strategy
- Digital Content Creation
- Social Media Expertise
- Newsletter Writing
- Ghostwriting
- Speechwriting
- Video and Graphic Integration
- Audience Engagement
- Cross-Platform Coordination
Timeline
Senior Writer CNN News Central
CNN
02.2024 - Current
Head Writer, NBC Nightly News
NBC News
09.2014 - 02.2025
Senior Writer, The Lead With Jake Tapper
CNN
03.2013 - 09.2014
Segment Producer, Starting Point
CNN
08.2012 - 03.2014
Writer/Producer, CNN Newsroom With Don Lemon
CNN
01.2009 - 08.2012
Master of Arts -
University At Albany
Bachelor of Arts - Radio-Television-Film
University of Texas At Austin
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