Amanda McLeod

Student Journalist | Political Science + History @ UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley Department of History + 8 more · University of California, Berkeley

About

Hello! I am a junior at UC Berkeley studying political science and history. I have covered university and city affairs with the Daily Californian. I have also covered social and cultural issues across Los Angeles with the Berkeley Political Review. I am currently Interested in freelance opportunities across the Bay Area and Los Angeles area. I can be reached at [email protected]

Experience

  • Department Assistant at UC Berkeley Department of History
    Aug 2026 - Present · 4 mos

  • The Daily Californian (1 yr 7 mos)
    • Student Life Beat
      Aug 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    • Aug 2026 - Present · 4 mos
      Present

    • Housing and Homelessness Beat
      Jan 2026 - Present · 11 mos

    • Berkeley, California · On-site
      Present

    • Law and Justice Beat
      Aug 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    • Berkeley, California · On-site
      Present

      Report on Police Accountability Board meetings and criminal activity in Berkeley. Responsible for analyzing civil lawsuits, interviewing attorneys, and following the progress of criminal trials. Monitor issues of legality both at the state and federal levels to determine their impact on Berkeley. Must pitch weekly, write one article per week, and write two long-form articles over the semester.

    • General Assignment News Reporter
      May 2025 - Aug 2025 · 4 mos

      Write and publish two original news articles per week covering campus, city, and Bay Area affairs. Receive story assignments in the morning, independently coordinate same-day interviews with relevant sources, and conduct thorough research using public records and government meeting archives. Draft articles within a two-hour window, incorporating live quotes and verified facts. Collaborate with editors to revise and fact-check content, craft compelling headlines, and ensure timely publication by the following morning.

  • Berkeley Political Review (1 yr 11 mos)
    • Senior Editor, California Section
      Jul 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    • Berkeley, California, United States · On-site
      Present

    • Deputy Editor, California Section
      Dec 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    • Berkeley, California
      Present

    • Staff Writer, California Section
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Berkeley, California · On-site
      Present

      Researches, writes, and publishes original articles detailing current political issues in California. Collaborates with a team in structured pitch and research cycles to develop insightful and timely content. Contributing to a publication known for high-quality political journalism and critical analysis.

  • KALX Radio 90.7 FM Berkeley (1 yr 11 mos)
    • News Producer
      May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    • May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos
      Present

      Trained in operating the live soundboard. Responsible for controlling background music and performing microphone checks for all news reporters, ensuring high quality audio performance.

    • News Reporter
      Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    • Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos
      Present

      Analyzes, researches, and compiles daily news stories covering International, National, and Local events for the KALX News Department. Reports news stories live on air every Friday at 5:45 PM, servicing the entire Bay Area.

  • California Student Journalism Corps at EdSource
    Jan 2026 - Aug 2026 · 8 mos