Hello! My name is Alex Menke! Currently, I am a Technical Director at CBS 58 where I direct the CBS 58 Weekend Morning News from 6-7am. During the week, I work in the studio as Floor Director or Teleprompter for the CBS 58 Morning News from 4:30-7am/7-9am. I also fill in as director whenever needed during the business week.
I am a graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Class of 2021. I recieved my Bachelor of Arts with Summa Cum Laude and Honors recognitions after double majoring in Radio, Television, and Digital Media Arts with a specialization in Animation and Digital Media Arts, as well as Cinema and Photography with a specialization in Cinema.
My time at SIUC was dedicated to working for the various departments of WSIU Public Broadcasting where I assisted in producing live television and recorded radio broadcasts.
As a result, I have experience working in all production roles, as well as editing content for television or social media using the Adobe Creative Suite.
Originally, I was born and raised in a small farm town in Central Illinois known as Sullivan. I graduated Number 8 in the Class of 2017 and was awarded Art Student of the Year.
Growing up, I was very involved in my community through my local Boy Scout Troop. I earned the ultimate Eagle Rank at the end of 2016. My community service project was a 8 x 10 foot mural depicting my school mascot, the Redskins, which was awarded the Eagle Scout Project of the Year in 2016 and still hangs in the cafeteria to this day.
Aside from community service, my time growing up was dedicated to the arts. I spent 8 years in choir and performed in my school's award winning show choir, the Sullivan Singers, for 6 years.
My experiences growing up prepared me for a life working with others in the entertainment/media industries and I am very excited to start my career and work towards acommplishing my goals!
CBS 58 (WDJT-TV)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Director/Technical Director - 10/2021-Present
I direct the CBS 58 Weekend Morning News from 6-7am using automated broadcast technology. During the work week, I operate as Floor Director or Teleprompter for the CBS 58 Morning News from 4:30-7am/7-9am. I also fill in as director/technical director for the CBS 58 Morning News whenever needed.
Technologies used: iNEWS, Grass Valley Ignite Katalyst, Telemetrics, and Ross Xpression.
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Carbondale, Illinois (8/2017-5/2021)
Production Assistant (PBS Television) — 2017-2021
Maintained cleanliness of studio and equipment; built lighting set-ups; alternated set pieces; operated cameras for studio productions.
Director, River Region Report — 2020-2021
Directed the crew and talent of a 30-minute taped news broadcast; self-directed all technical punches on the switcher.
Technical Director, River Region Evening Edition — 2019-2021
Operated video switcher for live and taped news broadcasts.
Video Editor/Animator — 2019-2021
Edited short-form promotional spots for social media platforms using FCPX; built motion graphics using Adobe After Effects for both television and social media purposes; assisted in the post-production stage of A Bad Deal: My Vietnam War Story (2019).
SIRIS Editor (NPR Radio) — 6/2019-12/2019
Southern Illinois Radio Information Services
Duties include: Using recording equipment to capture community volunteers readings newspapers for the visually impaired. Editing said readings using Adobe Audition into 30-min to 1-hour episodes for broadcast on local airwaves
Certificate in Web Development (12/2022), University of Illinois Chicago
Bachelor of Arts, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Spring Class of 2021 — Summa Cum Laude with Honors
GPA: 3.99
Majors: Radio, Television, Digital Media Arts with a specialization in Animation; Cinema and Photography with a specialization in Cinema
Directed, animated, and edited three animated shorts using Maya and Final Cut Pro.
Directed, shot, and edited three short films using Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro.