More About Makayla Richards
Makayla Richards is a digital, streaming and social media expert in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing years of expertise in storytelling, social media management, live video production and audience growth strategy.
A two-time Emmy Award nominee, Regional Edward R. Murrow Award recipient, and winner of accolades from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Atlanta Press Club, and the Georgia Association of Public Broadcasters, Makayla has built a career amplifying overlooked voices and telling impactful stories.
Since joining 11Alive, a top 10 market station in 2022 from a top 15 station in Denver, she has continued her mission to lead cross-platform content initiatives, creating SEO-driven stories, newsletters, and interactive graphics. Makayla manages social media strategies, including Instagram, where her campaigns have boosted engagement and strengthened brand awareness. She has also spearheaded YouTube growth, increasing subscribers by 200% through trend-driven video production and creative storytelling. As the host of the former show, Uncomfortable Conversations, on 11Alive+, Makayla produced, edited, and hosted recorded interviews to boost streaming engagement along with creating other daily live-streaming opportunities with talent.
Before her work in Atlanta, Makayla was a Digital Video Producer at KUSA-9NEWS in Denver, Colorado. There, she covered the state’s largest wildfires, crafted compelling multimedia content, and optimized video strategies that increased traffic by 150%. Her expertise in breaking news extended to assisting WWL-TV during Hurricane Ida and KVUE in Austin during the 2021 mass shooting.
Makayla’s skills include brand storytelling, video production, strategic communications, social media growth, and campaign execution. Proficient in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and SEO optimization, she ensures that every piece of content resonates with its intended audience. With a passion for connecting communities, Makayla is committed to delivering content that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful engagement.
