BEN BASCUK

I'm a dual-degree student at Syracuse University studying broadcast & digital journalism at the Newhouse School and policy studies at the Maxwell School, with an emphasis in financial investor communications. Driven by a passion for public service, storytelling, and community impact, I work at the intersection of media, policy, and economics.

At CitrusTV, I served as executive producer of the nation's only student-run financial news show, Market Shares, and lead discussions as a political anchor. I’ve covered on-site state, local, and national campaigns from battleground states to Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C. As a reporter, I research, pitch, shoot, write, and edit packages, live shots, and VO/SOT segments at the nation's oldest and largest student-run television station. In my role as programming director on the executive board, I oversee the live streaming schedule for 350 students, pilot and renew 16 shows, credential reporters, and submit over 130 awards.

As an account associate, philanthropy director, and now programming director at Hill Communications, one of only 21 PRSSA-affiliated student-run firms nationwide, I lead public relations strategy and internal programming for the firm, serving clients such as Princeton-Blairstown Center and Greenhill Investment Reporting. I was honored with the 2023–2024 account MVP award for my work writing and distributing press releases to targeted international and local media lists, managing four social media accounts, creating content calendars, and producing b-roll, interviews, and promotional materials.

As a teaching assistant at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, I assisted professors with scheduling, grading, planning, and managing 200+ students in Intro to Policy Studies (PST 101) & 140+ in Campaign Analysis (PSC 313). As social media director, I oversaw the Syracuse Policy Studies Department's digital strategy, studying and interpreting social media metrics, data, insights, and audience engagement to ensure maximum content reach and interaction.