Editor
SHAPING STORIES
I approach stories as multidimensional puzzles. Editing is about untangling and assembling elements with rigor, sensitivity, and creative sophistication. My approach is flexible, but always grounded in strong characters, clear ideas, and great sound. I’ve edited spot news, features, and investigative series; comedy, narrative, and more.
Showrunner
LEADING TEAMS
I’ve learned that the best work is built through creative collaboration: I’m happiest as a player-coach, helping others develop their ideas and abilities. I design and implement production processes, editorial systems, and staffing plans that support teams to do extraordinary work in sustainable ways.
Producer
MAKING CONTENT
I’ve made audio of all kinds, including podcasts, long-form documentaries, magazine shows, sound-rich features, in-depth interviews, personal essays, spot news, and more. I produce live events and direct recording sessions. I edit, sound design, score, and mix audio using ProTools.
Coach
CHAMPIONING TALENT
I coach audio makers and podcasters, both one-on-one and through industry programs and events including AIR’s SoundPath, Third Coast, and the WNYC Podcast Accelerator. I also mentor emerging talent, especially women approaching senior roles in media, through Digital Women Leaders.
Testimonials
“Jenny is truly a triple threat — maybe a quadruple threat? She’s an ace showrunner who delivers top-level work in time and on budget; she’s a compassionate manager who inspires her team even in challenging circumstances; she’s an insightful editor who sees the big picture as well as the details; and as a producer, she’s a creative powerhouse whose stories pop with intelligence and sparkle. Everyone I know who has worked with Jenny — myself included, for sure — is grateful that they did.”
- David Krasnow, Executive Producer, The New Yorker Radio Hour
“Jenny mentored me for a year as I was launching a complex and high-profile new podcast. A relatively junior producer and quite a bit out of my depth, I turned to Jenny for guidance across every stage and aspect of the production process — from production calendars to interview preparation to narrative editing and managing teams. There was no corner of the process that she did not touch and improve with her singular creative vision, sharp insight, and extensive experience as a showrunner. She brought critical questions and details into focus, and she delivered transformative feedback that was clear, kind, and so very smart. In addition to being a rare and versatile talent, she was (and remains) an absolute pleasure to work with and to learn from. I feel very lucky that she was a critical presence during my development into a podcast producer, and I know that any team would be equally lucky to have her leadership.”
- Merrin Lazyan, Media Producer, The Metropolitan Opera
“Jenny is one of the best collaborators you can imagine — always on top of things, leading her team in an empowering and organized way, and eager for an open to new ideas and strategic thinking. In my time at WNYC as part of a digital strategy team, she helped push Studio 360 forward into a range of new digital products and audience strategies. A real asset for any organization, and a great coworker!”
- Jacob Kramer-Duffield, digital audience strategy consultant
“My session with Jenny Lawton was wonderful! I was amazed by how quickly she diagnosed exactly what my struggles were (even better than I had) and gave me some specific, concrete steps for how to approach them. It made me feel less alone in my work, and excited to get back to the challenges before me.”
– Katie via Digital Women Leaders