Barbara’s broadcasting career began as a writer and on air reporter at WLAM and WJBQ radio stations in Maine. She simultaneously worked as production assistant at WMTW in Auburn, Maine where she worked her way up to becoming a weekend reporter. Her next career move was to Cape 11 News where she was the weekday evening anchor and reporter in addition to freelance reporting for CNN. While at Cape 11, the team was honored with their first ACE award for best local newscast in the cable industry.
After 2.5 years on the Cape, Barbara made the jump to Boston as a reporter and fill-in anchor for The News At Ten at WLVI. Highlights from her time at WLVI included covering Nelson Mandella’s visit to Boston, and being selected to cover the William Kennedy rape trial in Florida.
In 1992 Barbara was hired as a reporter and anchor at New England Cable News, the region’s first 24 hour news station located in Newton, Massachusetts. For the next 18 years she not only reported and anchored the news, but excelled as a documentary producer. A highlight of her time at NECN included covering every NH Presidential Primary from 1992 – 2008. In addition to moderating numerous political debates, Barbara was fortunate to interview a wide range of people, including in-depth interviews with the following:
Rosa Parks, Margaret Chase Smith, Tip O’Neill, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Teresa Heinz Kerry, Bill Clinton, John McCain, Ted Kennedy, Angus King, Jeanne Shaheen, George W. Bush, George H. Bush, Tom Menino, John Edwards, Barney Frank, Paul Tsongas, Vicky Kennedy, ski racer Bode Miller, golfer Greg Norman, Connecticut serial killer Michael Ross
Repeatedly recognized by the Boston Herald as one of the top reporters in Boston.
The engagement and interest in my work as a performer and speaker increased dramatically when Barb joined my team. She explores every possible angle to reach audiences with her vast experience in media and marketing. Barb's approach is supportive, educational and effective.
Working with Barbara MacLeod has been a masterclass in what effective public relations can do. Barbara doesn’t just deliver – she elevates the brand and your messaging. From launching new venues at the Music Hall like the Lounge, to announcing our acquisition of the New Hampshire Film Festival, Barbara ensures we hit all the right outlets with precisely crafted messaging. She asks us tough, strategic questions that push us to think broader and sharper. Her deep media industry knowledge and expansive network have been instrumental in building awareness for NHFF and position The Music Hall for long-term success. With Barbara on board, we know we’re in expert hands.
CrossCurrent Communications has done an incredible job of garnering media coverage for our nonprofit. Working with Barbara and her team to spread the word about the work we do has been a joy! We appreciate her ability to strategize at a high level and her attention to detail when we’re implementing her recommendations. Barbara’s ability to find the right story angle and pursue media placement has been impressive. In addition, CrossCurrent Communications has been instrumental in media training our staff, bringing an outside perspective to our organization, crisis management and helping us create a more engaging digital marketing.
Barbara’s intuition and ability to be out ahead on any public relations topic has allowed me to have complete trust in her and her company. She has handled every element of our communications — from social media to PR and content development. She goes above and beyond and was instrumental in putting Pepperrell Cove on the map.
Star Island relies on the work of many people, and that collaborative approach is exactly what CrossCurrent brought to us as we’ve worked to strengthen our organization’s image in the region. In addition to creating a compelling and widely shared video of Star Island, CrossCurrent developed a strategic communications plan that we consistently reference and utilize. In addition, Barbara’s knowledge of public relations and the NE media market has been instrumental in placing us in targeted media outlets allowing us to reach more folks interested in what we do. Their teamwork reflects a commitment to our organization and values.
Barbara was a huge asset to our work and I am so grateful we retained her services. She has a keen eye for detail, never missing a beat in a fast-paced environment. Her extensive knowledge of the press industry and the New England media market rendered her contributions to our campaign strategy invaluable. Barbara’s personal passion and optimistic spirit make her a highly effective member of any team, and I cannot recommend her highly enough.
CrossCurrent Communications
41 Atkinson Street, Box 10, Portsmouth NH 03801
207-752-0484