Capturing Moments That Matter

At Elevated Media, we are passionate about capturing the heart and soul of events. Our mission is to bring the raw emotion, triumphs, and unforgettable moments to life—whether they happen on the field, on the stage, or behind the scenes.

We believe that every experience tells a story. From the intensity of competition to the energy of live performances and community gatherings, our goal is to document these stories in ways that inspire, engage, and connect audiences, while celebrating the spirit of competition and the athletes who embody it.

Above all, we are committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, shining a light on overlooked talents and untold stories. Whether it’s an emerging athlete, a groundbreaking event, or a movement shaping the industry, we strive to ensure every story gets the recognition it deserves.

At Elevated Media, we don’t just cover events—we capture the moments that define them and the people who bring them to life.

  • Alana Dackiw

    Co-Founder COO

    From capturing the intensity of a game to crafting content that resonates, Alana Dackiw finds joy in every detail of her work. Driven by creativity, community, and empowering women in athletics, she uses her skills to tell stories that inspire and connect. Her unexpected journey into sports has been fueled by passion and purpose, making each project feel like a meaningful adventure. Off the clock, you’ll find her exploring new places, going to the movies, or trying new recipes.

  • Derek Katsaros

    Co-Founder CEO

    After spending nearly a decade in the Army, Derek left and pursued his Undergrad and Masters in Supply Chain. There in university, he found his love for photography and sports journalism. Becoming the Lead Photo Editor of the university newspaper, The Western Herald. Today he continues to operate his personal photography company while working in the Aerospace sector.

  • Vanessa Litchard

    Co-Founder CFO

    Vanessa is a creative storyteller passionate about bringing brands to life through design and marketing. With a strong background in sports she crafts engaging content that connects and inspires. She finds joy in collaboration and believes great ideas come from diverse perspectives. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and diving into cosplay and creative projects. She loves experimenting with new recipes and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.

Elevated Media Group Journalism Standards

Elevated Media Group follows the Associated Press (AP) guidelines and principles to maintain journalistic integrity. Below are key standards adapted from the AP’s practices.

Audio Standards:

  • Audio content must remain accurate and unaltered, except as follows:

    • With managerial approval, overly long pauses may be shortened.

    • Subtle audio processing, such as volume normalization, equalization, and noise reduction, is permitted if it does not obscure content.

    • Bleeping of obscenities requires managerial approval.

    • Ambient sounds may only be added with a senior editor’s approval if they do not alter the editorial meaning.

Graphics Guidelines:

  • Use only authoritative sources and display accurate representations of data.

  • Charts must maintain correct scales (e.g., bar charts must start at zero).

  • Graphics created from multiple photographic elements must be clearly identified as compositions.

Photo and Video Editing:

  • Minor photo edits (e.g., cropping, grayscale conversion, and dust removal) are allowed if they preserve the original scene.

  • Video editing may include technical corrections (e.g., color adjustments and noise removal) without altering the content.

  • 360-degree visuals are permissible if they do not change the original footage.

Sourcing and Attribution:

  • Original reporting is required; plagiarism is prohibited.

  • Anonymous sources must meet strict criteria and receive managerial approval.

  • Attribution should be clear and detailed, identifying sources and providing context.

Use of Anonymous Sources:

  • Material from anonymous sources must be vital, verified, and unavailable otherwise.

  • Reporters must seek multiple confirmations whenever possible.

  • Stories using anonymous sources must include an explanation of their anonymity.

Quotations Policy:

  • Quotations must remain in their original context and may only be paraphrased to clarify meaning.

  • Translations of quotes should be accurate and faithful to the source.

  • Edited soundbites in audio or video must retain the speaker’s intended meaning.

These standards ensure that Elevated Media Group upholds the highest levels of journalistic integrity and transparency.