Bill Gallo, Freelance Journalist

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:36:00 +0000

I am a freelance journalist based out of Kansas City, Missouri. My career started in Chicago, where I worked as a news anchor, talk show producer, website editor, and on-the-street news reporter for a variety of talk radio stations. In 2008, I moved to Kansas City to work as a news reporter, anchor, and contributor for several commercial and public radio stations. In addition, I have written for a number of online and print publications. I enjoy working on local government, travel, human interest, religious, and political stories--all of which you'll find posted on this page. If you would like to find out more about me, have a look at my resume or contact me directly.

Local Soldier Reflects on Being Muslim in Military

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:30:00 +0000

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCUR-FM) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently announced a sweeping review of the tragic Fort Hood shooting that left 13 people dead. But as the military now tries to identify extremists within its ranks, some Muslims fear an unfair backlash. Bill Gallo recently spoke with a local Muslim-American veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has this report....

Local Veteran Reflects on Being Muslim in Military by williamgallo

Kansas City Family Joins Obama, Biden on Pre-Inauguration Train Ride

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:24:00 +0000

KC family hosted Obama during Democratic National Convention

By Bill Gallo

KC Family Joins Obama, Biden on Pre-Inauguration Train Ride by williamgallo

January 18, 2009

Washington, DC – Out of the 5 million people expected to attend Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration festivities this weekend, none will get closer to the action than the Girardeau family from Kansas City.

Jim and Alicia Girardeau and their daughters Hannah, Lindsay, and Grace joined 13 other ordinary Americans for President-elect Obama’s historic “whistle stop” train tour from Philadelphia to Washington on Saturday.

The campaign asked the family to join the tour after Obama used the Girardeau’s Brookside home in August to watch his wife’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.

But Alicia Girardeau says that doesn’t compare to what her family is getting to do this weekend in Washington.

“People of every different color, race, and size were just so excited and happy. It’s such an exciting event to be a part of already, but to see it from our vantage point, it was just amazing,” said Alicia Girardeau.

While riding on the vintage railcar, the Girardeau’s discussed politics with Obama, and also held a surprise birthday party for Michelle. Jim Girardeau says the President-elect’s personable demeanor continues to impress him.

“He’s super warm and friendly. He really puts you at ease with how interested he is in what you’re talking about.”

As for the kids, 11-year-old Lindsay Girardeau said they were busy putting together a puzzle and playing Apples to Apples in the back of the train with Sasha and Malia Obama.

“I felt so exclusive. It was just our family and the Obama’s,” said Lindsay.

The tour started in Philadelphia and included stops in Wilmington and Baltimore before heading to Washington. The Obama campaign modeled the trip after a similar one made by Abraham Lincoln in 1861.

The Girardeau’s plan to take part in the National Day of Service tomorrow, before attending Tuesday’s inauguration.

Washington Mayor Adrien Fenty has suggested that as many as 5 million people could attend the event, making it one of the capital’s largest crowds ever assembled.

Bicyclists Aim to Make Kansas City More Bike Friendly

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:20:00 +0000

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCUR-FM) - In some cities, drivers refer to them as "bicycle terrorists" for interrupting the busiest drive time of the week. But in Kansas City, participants of the local bicycle ride known as "Critical Mass" are focused on promoting a positive message: they want Kansas City to be more bike-friendly. Bill Gallo reports....

Bicycle Protest Aims to Make Kansas City More Bike Friendly by williamgallo

Chicago Auto Show Shutdown Festival Gets Underway

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:22:00 +0000

CHICAGO, IL (WGN-AM) - It's an established Chicago tradition. But it wouldn't be if these guys had their way. Bill Gallo reports from the Chicago Auto Show....

Chicago Auto Show Shutdown Festival by williamgallo

Are Kansas City's Red Light Cameras Working?

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:17:00 +0000

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCUR-FM) - Starting on Friday July 17, cameras started catching red light runners at two more Kansas City intersections. By the end of the month, the city will have installed a total of 30 red light cameras. Question is, are the cameras stopping people for running red lights, and it that's the case, are they generating enough money to pay for themselves? It's a little more complicated than you might think, as Bill Gallo reports....

Kansas City Red Light Cameras by williamgallo

Overland Park Man Among "Most Fit in America"

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:19:00 +0000

OVERLAND PARK, KS - With the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics at hand, we're introducing you to some local athletes you may not have heard about. In this installment, Bill Gallo introduces us to an Overland Park man who likes to ride his bike....

Overland Park Man Among "Most Fit in America" by williamgallo

Resume

william.w.gallo@gmail.com (William Gallo) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000

William Gallo
1500 W 37th Street, Apt. 14
Kansas City, MO 64111

Cell Phone: 312.451.5038
Email: william.w.gallo@gmail.com

Core Competencies

Extensive print and electronic journalism experience on both local and national stories
Multimedia production and podcasting ability; own personal audio and video editing studio
Previous volunteer management experience for non-profit organization
Work experience in Middle East; currently learning Arabic language

Experience

2009

Kansas City Public Radio, Kansas City, MO

Independent News Contributor / Intern

Occasionally donate long format radio news stories for Kansas City's NPR affiliate
Write audio-rich, audience-engaging national and local stories
Produced on-the-street, short format local stories for use within hourly newscasts

2008-2009

Entercom Communications, Kansas City, MO

News Reporter / Anchor

Reported on local and national stories for Kansas City's leading morning news program
Anchored and produced top and bottom of hour local and national newscasts
Traveled to Washington to report live on the Inauguration of Barack Obama

2007-2008

WGN Radio, Chicago, IL

News Contributor/Intern

Produced stories and interviewed public news figures under strict deadlines
Reported from the street for Chicago’s leading news/talk radio station
Acted as public relations assistant for newsroom phone calls, e-mails, and letters

2007-2008

WMBI, Chicago, IL

News Writer / Radio Announcer / Show Producer

Wrote feature-length news stories for use on afternoon talk shows
Produced and anchored morning drive newscasts
Generated show ideas and produced content for daily talk programs

Other Experience

Noor Cultural Center and Radio Production; Amman, Jordan: Content Producer 2006

Demand Studios; Online Publication: Freelance Writer 2009

Moody Campus Radio; Chicago, IL: Program Director 2005-2007

Moody Student Newspaper; Chicago, IL: Guest Writer 2006

Eduation

MBI, Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts in Communications
3.5 GPA