Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Websites

Languages

Timeline

Rayana Zapryanova

Dublin

Summary

Proactive and versatile multimedia journalist with a sharp news instinct and proven experience across Ireland’s top national newsrooms, including RTÉ, Virgin Media, and Reach PLC. Experienced in reporting across digital, print, and broadcast platforms, with a strong track record of producing impactful, high-traffic stories under pressure.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Researcher

Virgin Media

01.2024 - 08.2025

Delivered multiple daily pitches tailored to Ireland AM’s audience, regularly shaping content agendas.
Produced fast-turnaround segments from concept to broadcast, interviewing high-profile guests and public figures.
Edited and optimised clips for cross-platform rollout using Grabyo and CapCut, helping to drive audience growth.
Acted as on-site producer during live Outside Broadcasts (OBs), managing talent, logistics, and real-time challenges.
Collaborated across departments to ensure editorial consistency across studio, digital, and social channels.
Stepped into editorial, technical, and production roles during staff absences, demonstrating initiative and adaptability.

News Reporter

Reach PLC

11.2022 - 01.2024

Headhunted while still completing RTÉ internship.
Wrote 6–12 articles daily for Dublin Live, alongside weekly features, video, and photo stories for social media.
Pitched and developed multiple stories per day, chasing leads and working independently to publication.
Applied SEO best practices and received ongoing Irish Media Law training.
Built strong professional relationships with stakeholders, national organisations, and county councillors.
Took on editorial responsibilities during evening and weekend shifts, independently managing breaking news coverage.

News Reporter Intern

RTÉ - Morning Ireland and RTÉ News

05.2022 - 11.2022

Worked to tight deadlines under pressure, editing audio, pre-recording interviews, and sourcing interviewees for Morning Ireland.
Took radio packages from pitch to broadcast, handling research, production, scripting, and editing end-to-end.
Conducted vox pops and reported live events, including coverage of the Tallaght tragedy (2022).
Produced multiple briefs each day, fact-checking rigorously and building strong knowledge of Irish and international politics.
Pitched multiple stories per week and saw them through to publication on the RTÉ News website/broadcast.
Researched, shot, produced, scripted, and edited content for RTÉ’s social media accounts.
Contributed to the production of an RTÉ Black History Month documentary (2022), supporting the process from pitch to final cut as part of a large team.
Gained hands-on court reporting experience under the mentorship of Orla O’Donnell.
Became proficient with RTÉ’s newsroom systems, apps, best practices, and style guides.

Research Assistant

DCU

03.2021 - 04.2022

Gained skills in copywriting, social media content creation, and data storytelling.
Interviewed media industry leaders for a FuJo article series on sustaining profitability in journalism.
Contributed to the production of a limited podcast series for the FuJo Institute, mentored by broadcaster Pat O’Mahony.

Freelance Journalist

DCU Voices Magazine, Theatremaker.ie

09.2020 - 09.2021

Copyeditor for DCU Voices magazine.
News writer, researcher, and editor for Theatremaker.ie — worked independently on multiple weekly features, building strong relationships with representatives across Ireland’s creative industries.
Pitched and developed stories, interviewing artists, industry figures, and government officials.
Researched and verified stories, wrote scripts, and sourced visuals for the weekly news show Irish Theatre This Week.
Social media copywriter for international events.

Student Journalist

RTÉ, The College View, Her Campus

10.2019 - 04.2020

Student journalist for RTÉ during the 2020 General Election — monitored updates, supplied senior reporters Carla O’Brien and Abie Philbin Bowman with live statistics and photos, and supported coverage of Dublin Bay South.
Contributor to The College View and Her Campus while studying at DCU.
Researched, pitched, and developed stories independently and on assignment, covering current affairs, business, City Council meetings, protests, court reporting, and entertainment.