Ashley Bastock

Oct. 2021 – Present

Cleveland.com — Cleveland, Ohio. Browns beat reporter

Cover the Cleveland Browns with a focus on feature stories and takeouts, including profiling versatile linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah to find out where that versatility comes from; a story on David Bell's custom draft day necklace honoring his high school teammate who was murdered; writing a deep dive into Donovan Peoples-Jones' background as an underappreciated former five-star recruit who is ready for a larger role; finding out Chase Winovich believes his purpose is; unearthing a new perspective from Browns fans with Baker Mayfield tattoos after the quarterback was traded; finding out why Chicago native Greg Newsome II is a huge Cavs fan; and a story on Myles Garrett talking in depth about Odell Beckham Jr.'s Browns tenure.

 

Also have helped extensively with Cavs coverage, particularly with side bars and features, including highlighting why Jarrett Allen is a one-of-a-kind All-Star, how Allen and Evan Mobley are masters of verticality, why Mobley's short memory is a rarity, and the Cavs' free throw missteps.

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Dec. 2020 – Oct. 2021

Akron Beacon Journal — Akron, Ohio. Sports reporter

Cover prep sports and fill in on coverage for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Browns and Indians. Write stories to help drive subscriptions that go beyond typical game angles including: Profiling a Browns fan dying of cancer, JaVale McGee’s impact ahead of the trade deadline, Greg Buckner’s unexpected coaching debut filling in for J.B. Bickerstaff, and exploring how Dru Joyce III’s playing resume and reputation as LeBron James’ high school teammate helps him recruit for Cleveland State University.

 

Sept. 2018 – Dec. 2020

The Blade — Toledo, Ohio. Michigan beat reporter

Cover primarily football and men’s basketball by successfully finding unique, exclusive stories including profiling assistant basketball coach Phil Martelli’s friendship with Geno Auriemma, role-playing center Austin Davis’  unexpected fifth-year, a look at what drives five-star Michigan recruit quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the origin of defensive end Kwity Paye’s Black Panther sack celebration, and quarterback Shea Patterson’s MLB deal. Help promote work to outside audiences by appearing on BCSN's College Football Weekly analyzing Michigan each week. Have also covered major events like MLB All-Star Week and the 2018 ALDS between the Indians and Astros. Other roles: general assignment reporter, digital reporter, University of Toledo beat writer.

 

Aug. 2015 – Nov. 2016

NBC News — Washington, D.C. Production Assistant           

Worked for Meet the Press covering the 2016 presidential election by providing extensive research and outlines for Chuck Todd on candidates, campaign staff, and breaking news. Ordered graphics, made chyrons and coordinated with graphics artists and producers. Promoted the show internally by distributing promos, segments, articles and transcripts. Organized the show rundown, tapes and graphics on Sunday mornings. Communicated with panelists and guests regarding logistics and show topics when applicable. Used Meet the Press social media accounts to promote content. Helped produce video packages and articles for NBCNews.com. Assisted with breaking news coverage including election nights, debate nights, conventions, CPAC 2016 and the death of Muhammad Ali. Previous role: John Carroll University Tim Russert Fellow.

 

Nov. 2016-Sept. 2018

Freelance sports reporter— Cleveland, Ohio.

Wrote freelance stories for The Associated Press, Sports Business Journal, SB Nation and Northeast Ohio Sports Insiders. Covered all three of Cleveland’s professional teams on site, including the MLB postseason and the NBA playoffs in both 2017 and 2018. For Sports Business Journal, completed two long-form stories on John Carroll University alumni working in the NFL, and on the Mount Union Sports Sales Workshop and Job Fair.

 

Aug. 2014-June 2015

WOIO/WUAB — Cleveland, Ohio. Student intern

Assisted with Cavaliers coverage by being the on-site reporter for games. For nightly newscasts, assisted with writing scripts, newsgathering, editing and interviewing. Covered high school football games, oftentimes the game of the week. Helped produce Tailgate 19, the Browns studio pregame show, by providing research and stats.