SkillsU logo
Avatar

Melody Horrill

Media & Communication Specialist, Author

Australia/Sydney (UTC+11)
English

5.0 (11)

About

As an award-winning Australian broadcast journalist, I have extensive experience in creating compelling and impactful stories, confidently communicating with the media, creatively pitching proactive storylines, and crafting reactive media responses. My career has focused on science and environmental communication, allowing me to excel at transforming complex topics into engaging content through both traditional and digital media. In addition to my journalism experience, I possess significant expertise as a Media and Communication Manager, having previously worked for the Australian Government for many years. Currently, I design and deliver media and communication training programs aimed at frontline professionals and students. I present these programs to scientists across Australia and the Pacific, as well as to non-profit organizations, course participants, and corporations. My coaching covers a wide range of topics, including effective on-camera presentation, managing press conferences, crafting impactful messages, and addressing reputational issues in the media. My expertise in communicating science and environmental issues, along with the authorship of three internationally published works, has led to my involvement with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). As co-chair of its Cetacean Committee, I regularly engage with organizations, non-profits, and communities worldwide, including governments, community leaders, and scientists. I provide high-level media advice and create content designed to influence and inform. For more information about my writing and work with JGI please see my website: https://melodyhorrill.com

Key Skills

Experience

Media & Communications Specialist/Trainer, Published Author | Melody Horrill

Aug 2021 - Present
Australian freelance/contract media and communication management and training, content creator, writer, issues management, motivational speaking, speechwriting

Media and Communications Manager | Australian Government - Bureau of Meteorology

Jan 2016 - Aug 2021
Melbourne, Australia Manager, media and communication in Victoria for Australia’s premier Federal Government science agency. I specialise in turning ‘science speak’ into engaging, informative and easily understandable content and distributing that to internal and external stakeholders through innovative communication tools. I have developed a suite of new tools to communicate with our media stakeholders, which are now being used enterprise wide. I write and execute communication plans for major projects such as radar upgrades and work closely with emergency services in the leap to and during severe weather events. I train space weather scientists, meteorologists, climatologists and other scientists across Australia in how to present to media, having created and presented media training and assessments for BoM personnel across multiple programs. I have also acted as State Manager, Victoria - creating budgets for the State, engaging in high level external/interal planning and strategy, management of more than a dozen BoM staff, senior issues management.

Broadcast journalist | Fairfax Media

Nov 2014 - Jan 2016
Reporting for Melbourne's number one news radio station - 3AW.

Media And Communications Manager - contract | Charles Darwin University

Feb 2014 - Oct 2014
Darwin Media relations, media release writing, event organisation, research assurance, Media Production, Presentation and Media Training.

Senior Science/Environment Television Journalist and Presenter | Seven Network

Mar 2004 - Jan 2014
Adelaide, Australia Sourcing, researching, writing and presenting feature length stories for both the local bulletin and national bulletin - mostly with a science/environment/ health theme. Researching, writing, collating, managing and presenting the week day weather report live to air every evening, working with multiple departments within the news area and numerous external stakeholders including CFS, SARDI and BOM. Working with graphics, producers and editors to very tight deadlines, reporting breaking news, regular live crosses from location. Fill in radio presenting for Mix 102.3 and regular guest on ABC 891. Producing social media content for the 7 News website, Facebook, blog and twitter. Keeping South Australians informed of breaking weather and climate news and warnings often on location.

South Australian Correspondent | CNN International

May 2000 - Apr 2004
Adelaide/Atlanta Sourcing, writing and producing regular feature stories for the CNN World Report, aired globally.

Senior Environment Television Journalist/Documentary Producer | Network 10

Mar 1999 - Mar 2004
Sourcing, writing, producing and presenting feature length news stories for Ten News locally and nationally, Fill in week day weather presenter.

Television Journalist | Nine Network Australia

Feb 1996 - Dec 1998
Sourcing, writing and presenting stories for National 9 News.

Education & Certificates

Certificate IV, Training and Assessment

CBD College
Jan 2018

Certificate in Public Relations

TAFE SA
Mar 1994

BA, Communications

University of South Australia
Jan 1993

Testimonials

5.0 (11)

Avatar

Dr. Koen Margodt

15 hours ago
I know Melody Horrill as a professional author, journalist and television presenter. I was introduced to her by Dr. Jane Goodall and we volunteer for several years now together for Dr. Goodall and her Jane Goodall Institute. Above all, I believe Melody shows the highest professional standards of professionalism and integrity. It is a true privilege working with Melody.
Avatar

Andrew T

20 hours ago
I worked with Melody for several years and have known her for longer. Melody is a consummate professional: highly experienced, always focused on the needs of the client, and ready to go the extra mile. She has excellent television, radio and print presentation skills and has added enormously to her credentials as a writer in recent years. Her work for the Jane Goodall Institute’s Cetacean Committee, adding to her lifelong passion for dolphin welfare, speaks to her passion and commitment. Melody also has an unusually high degree of personal resilience, as demonstrated by her approach to some very challenging life experiences.

Interested in working with Melody?

Melody is currently only available for select engagements.

Share your details to explore customized, long-term coaching or consulting opportunities with Melody.

Recommended Training Topics

Crowdsourcing Ideas

This training offers participants insights into the world of crowdsourcing, covering key concepts and techniques. Participants will explore how to harness collective intelligence for problem-solving, innovation, and project development. Through engaging content and practical applications, learners will discover the transformative power of crowdsourcing in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.

Reverse Innovation

The Reverse Innovation training program equips participants with the knowledge to apply innovative solutions originally developed in emerging markets to global challenges. Learners will explore concepts of resourcefulness, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, driving creative solutions in traditional markets. This training emphasizes strategic thinking and practical applications in sectors like healthcare, technology, and business strategy.

Creative Problem Solving

This training focuses on enhancing creative problem-solving skills, teaching participants how to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Learners will explore innovative techniques for generating solutions and learn how to apply these skills in real-world scenarios. The program is designed to foster creative thinking in both personal and professional settings.

Stakeholder Engagement

The Stakeholder Engagement training equips professionals with essential skills to connect and collaborate with stakeholders effectively. Participants will gain insights into building trust, managing expectations, and facilitating meaningful dialogues. This training is vital for professionals looking to enhance interpersonal skills and ensure successful outcomes in collaborative projects across various industries.

Ready to Get Started?

Talk to our team of training & coaching specialists, we are here to help.

All of Our Programs

Interested in Partnerships?

Please complete our contact form with your contact details, and our team will be in touch.

Book a Demo

Stay Ahead of the Skills Curve

Get the latest insights, trends and resources on how the world's best coaches and trainers develop potential.

Trainer, Coach or Consultant?

Apply to join our global network of expert trainers, consultants and coaches, and start earning from your expertise.

Apply Now

Interested in Partnerships?

Please complete our contact form with your contact details, and our team will be in touch.