More About Makayla Richards

I’m Makayla Richards — an award-winning digital producer, social strategist, and on-camera host based in Atlanta.

At 11Alive, I lead cross-platform content that hits 60K+ daily clicks. I’ve written SEO-smart stories, built reusable social graphics now used across TEGNA, and produced viral vertical videos — some reaching 1M+ views. That work helped shape an internal editing tool modeled after my workflow.

As host of Uncomfortable Conversations, I created and edited streaming content to boost 11Alive+ engagement. I’ve also led YouTube campaigns that grew subscribers by 200% through trend-aware storytelling.

Before Atlanta, I was a Digital Video Producer at Denver’s 9NEWS, where I covered wildfires, breaking news, and deep features that helped drive a 150% traffic increase. I’ve also supported stations in New Orleans and Austin during national crises, from Hurricane Ida to mass shootings.

Recognitions include:

  • Regional Edward R. Murrow Award

  • Two Emmy Award nominations

  • Two NABJ Salute to Excellence

  • Atlanta Press Club + Georgia Association of Broadcasters Awards

Through it all, my goal stays the same: build content that informs, resonates, and performs.