Traci Mackie OIB
Armadale, West Lothian
Summary
Award-winning journalist and author with an entrepreneurial and community spirit. Proven industry achievement history with 20+ years of experience that extends to public relations and third sector. Covered various beats and worked across a variety of platforms, including print, broadcast and online. Contribution to journalism in South Africa recognised by a civilian award in 2018. Now based in Scotland.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Journalist
Freelance
02.2021 - Current
- Investigate questions and timely story ideas in the community as developments happen and create news stories detailing breaking events.
- Compose an average of 12 stories monthly for print news and an additional online edition by using research notes, assignment details and other resources, getting an average of 10,000 views per month.
- Supervise up to six newsroom interns every college semester and guide them through the basics of working for a major organization.
Editorial Consultant
Arena Holdings
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Collaborated with authors to develop compelling content that resonated with target audiences.
- Mentored junior editors, ensuring their professional growth and improved performance.
- Developed style guides and templates to maintain consistency across all written materials.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, effectively meeting deadlines and delivering results.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions for new content ideas.
- Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
- Edited and reviewed content for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Edited and revised wide array of content for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
- Suggested improvements to content to enhance quality and accuracy.
- Collaborated with writers, designers and other editors to deliver content of highest quality.
- Provided concise and constructive editorial feedback to writers to improve article and story writing.
News Editor
Weekend Post
01.1997 - 02.2000
- Reported on an average of 10 assigned story ideas per month from an editor about crime and policing in the metro area and sought additional topics by using the police scanner.
- Researched and produced daily news reports.
- Revised and edited news stories as they were written to continue meeting the publication's high standards for reporting.
Senior Journalist and Sub-Editor
The Herald
04.1991 - 12.1996
- Enhanced newsroom efficiency by streamlining editorial processes and implementing new technologies.
- Mentored junior journalists for improved reporting skills and adherence to ethical standards.
- Generated compelling story ideas by maintaining strong relationships with community leaders and staying informed about local issues.
- Produced award-winning investigative reports, utilizing in-depth research and fact-checking techniques.
Editor
The Mercury (Community Newspaper)
04.1989 - 03.1991
- Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
- Collaborated with writers to improve content structure and clarity, resulting in increased reader engagement.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
- Developed style guides and editorial processes to maintain a consistent voice across all published materials.
Intern and Journalist
Daily Dispatch
01.1986 - 03.1989
- Enhanced publication''s reputation by consistently delivering high-quality, well-researched articles on various topics.
- Increased readership through engaging storytelling and attention-grabbing headlines.
- Developed strong relationships with sources, leading to exclusive interviews and scoops.
- Received multiple journalism awards for in-depth features and breaking news coverage.
Education
Master of Arts - Media Communication
Nelson Mandela University
South Africa2020
National Certificate - Journalism
South African Associated Newspapers
South Africa1986
Skills
- Interviewing Skill
- News gathering and content creation
- Audience engagement
- Writing and editing
- Graphic design knowledge
- Public speaking abilities
- Storytelling abilities
- Networking abilities
- Mentoring and coaching
- Legal understanding
- Mac, Microsoft Office and Canva
- Project management
Languages
Scottish
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Afrikaans
Full Professional
awards
• Order of Ikhamanga (Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Journalism): State President of the Republic of South Africa.
• Certificate for contribution towards uplifting the community of the Eastern Cape: Office of the Premier
• Africa Growth Institute SMME Awards (Services Sector Category)
• South African Businesswomen’s Association Regional Achievers Award (Entrepreneur Category)
professional affiliations and memberships
- Member: National Union of Journalists UK (Pending)
- Trustee: Volunteer Sector Gateway West Lothian (Scotland) 2024
- Chairperson: Eastern Cape Gambling Board (South Africa) 2024
- Member: Institute of Directors (South Africa) 2024
- Trustee: Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce (South Africa) 2017
- Treasurer: Mandela Bay Press Club (South Africa) 2010
- Member: National Union of Journalists (South Africa) 2000
Membership and Affiliations
- Member: National Union of Journalists UK (Pending)
- Trustee: Volunteer Sector Gateway West Lothian (Scotland) 2024
- Chairperson: Eastern Cape Gambling Board (South Africa) 2024
- Member: Institute of Directors (South Africa) 2024
- Trustee: Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce (South Africa) 2017
- Treasurer: Mandela Bay Press Club (South Africa) 2010
- Member: National Union of Journalists (South Africa) 2000
achievements
- At the age of 23, first women and youngest editor of a registered newspaper in South Africa (The Mercury).
- Authored two books: Nelson Mandela Bay: A Brand New Day and Feel It Forever: 2010 Fifa World Cup
- Published poetry book: Road From Now by Mayihlome Tshwete
- Published series of travel magazines: Eastern Cape Madiba Action
- Produced multi-lingual travel documentary: Eastern Cape Madiba Action
- Established a media communication company, Yithethe maAfrica, that employed 11 people
- Established a third-sector organisation to benefit military veterans that memoralised national treasure, the late Raymond Mhlaba.
Interests
Heritage, culture, art (watercolour and oils), ceramics, music, dance and community development. Determined to apply my knowledge and skills as a journalist and social entrepreneur for the benefit of the deprived Scottish community from which I originated.
Timeline
Journalist
Freelance
02.2021 - Current
Editorial Consultant
Arena Holdings
01.2013 - 12.2015
News Editor
Weekend Post
01.1997 - 02.2000
Senior Journalist and Sub-Editor
The Herald
04.1991 - 12.1996
Editor
The Mercury (Community Newspaper)
04.1989 - 03.1991
Intern and Journalist
Daily Dispatch
01.1986 - 03.1989
Master of Arts - Media Communication
Nelson Mandela University
National Certificate - Journalism
South African Associated Newspapers
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