Behind the scenes with tech expert Katie Linendoll
RIT information technology alumnus Katie Linendoll started her own production company
Scott Hamilton/RIT
When Katie Linendoll ’05 (information technology) isn’t on TV or taking the stage, she is running her own media production and consulting company.
When Katie Linendoll ’05 (information technology) is scouting out new technology to share on the Today show, she is on the lookout for gamechangers.
“With millions of viewers, I feel a big responsibility for the things I focus on to be exciting and practical,” said Linendoll. “But it also needs to be technology that can really impact people’s lives for good.”
Linendoll has been on The Weather Channel, SiriusXM, Inside Edition, ESPN, and other national media outlets sharing news stories about cutting-edge science and technology for more than 15 years. However, she is quick to note that her public-facing role as a consumer technology expert is just one aspect of her career.
In 2013, she started her own media production and consulting company, Katie Linendoll Productions. With her team, she works with clients across the world to craft special projects, social media strategy, and rebranding campaigns; shoot B-roll; and edit sizzle reels.
“People see the on-air part, but behind the scenes I’m working with producers to shoot and edit, build packages, and create graphics,” said Linendoll. “It’s absolutely critical to be able to talk the talk and walk the walk across the field in production. That’s something that was ingrained in me while working under the mentorship of Mark Fragale at RIT SportsZone.”
She launched her television career on RIT SportsZone (now RIT Sports Network), where she learned the importance of being hands on and understanding every aspect of production. That led to a co-op at ESPN and a permanent position after graduation. She later won an Emmy Award for her work as an associate producer at SportsCenter.
“As a 19-year-old working at RIT SportsZone, I remember learning that you need to be able to do it all—that’s what will set you apart,” she said.
Linendoll’s ability to operate seamlessly both on-camera and behind the scenes has made her one of the most in-demand keynote speakers and emcees for global technology events. She has helped Mercedes-Benz unveil new products at CES in Las Vegas and taken the stage at global conferences with IBM, Deloitte, EY, BMW, Comcast, and others. She even helped launch a new robotics engineer Barbie with Mattel.
Linendoll frequently appears as a tech expert on the Today show.
She also got to live out her personal dream of being a game show host when she hosted the Candy Crush All-Stars 2025 championship in Los Angeles. The fun outfit she wore at that event is one of many made for her by her mom, who is a costumer.
“I’ve played Candy Crush since its infancy,” said Linendoll. “Then, I was on stage with the best of the best Candy Crushers. Fifteen million entered the tournament and 10 were chosen from all over the globe—it was an amazing experience.”
In addition to production, another big part of Linendoll’s RIT journey was finding her place with the Catholic Newman Community. Today, she stays connected with the community and supports it by making videos for ROAR Day.
