Resume – CV

Jul 21st 2007

Tom Merritt tom_merritt_lg

acedtect at yahoo.com

Audio/Video Talent

Web Content / Writer / Editor

Experienced talent and writer who turns out funny, thoughtful, journalistic and helpful content in the voice you need. Expert at podcasting and Web-TV-Radio integration. Exceptional at finding creative solutions with constrained resources. Strategic leader who takes the initiative and drives for success.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CNET.com, San Francisco, CA 2004-present

Executive editor

Host of CNET TV, including regular features like Top 5 and Insider Secrets. Co-host of podcasts. Director of podcasting for CNET.com. Previously managed front door team, directing promotional priorities, headline writing, newsletters, and help content.

Success Stories

· Created several top-trafficked features for CNET TV

· Co-hosted and developed “Buzz Out Loud”, a top-rated podcast

· Developed and wrote weekly column and podcast called “The Real Deal” on consumer tech and help.

· Increased traffic on CNET home page 25% in 2 quarters.

· Raised home page clickthrough by 20% within 1 year.

· Hosted CNET product coverage at CES reviewing over 80 products both on stage and on the show floor.

· Re-launched newsletter ‘AnchorDesk’ newsletter raising traffic and subscriptions.

· Continual press appearances on radio and TV, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and local stations in LA, San Francisco, etc.

· Frequent speaker at conferences like Digital Hollywood and National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

· RSS feed of Tom’s videos on CNET TV – http://www.cnettv.com/9706-1_53-0.xml?orderBy=6&keywords=%22tom%20merritt%22


TechTV, San Francisco, CA 1999-2004

Executive Web Producer

Managed team of 20, reporting to Executive Vice President of Programming. Cut costs and came in under $1M annual budget. Collaborated with freelancers to produce effective successful stories inexpensively.

Success Stories

· Increased traffic 60% over two years by implementing goal-oriented strategies and more efficient organization.

· Raised unique visitors to 2 million per month passing Wired News and rivaling Eonline.

· Successfully integrated Web and TV content across network by collaborating with TV producers to streamline communication and processes.

· Doubled Traffic of network’s help sites over one year by implementing new integrated content model with TV producers and focusing promotional strategy.

· Developed the model for TV/Web integration by teaming with TV producers to implement more efficient editorial and promotional process.

· Inspired fresh and on-target content by conducting series of brainstorming offfsites that produced results.

· Increased writing quality 75% by implementing training and review program for writers and editors.

· Nailed network voice by conducting seminars, and implementing a series of workshops.

· Recruited. retained and developed key talent.

· Led initiatives to boost morale 100%.

Special Projects

· Co-hosted video called “How to Build a Website” with TechTV’s Sumi Das.

· Produced TV Show “TechTV’s Top 20 Gifts” November, 2002.

· Talent and producer for TV segments “The Web Lab”, instructing viewers how to start their own websites.

· Wrote and edited sections of “Leo Laporte’s Technology Almanac” 2003 and 2004

· Produced broad and successful trade show coverage at CES 2001.

TechTV Radio, San Francisco, CA 1999-2003

Radio Host

· Hosted morning news and talk show on arbitron rated number one 24 hour streaming talk radio station.

· Interviewed tech newsmakers

· Wrote produced and reported tech news and tech help segments.

· Hosted special promotional segments for TV network

Freelance Projects, Austin Texas 1993-1999

Writer

Producer

Tech Support

  • Wrote, edited and produced successful parody news website SuBBrilliant News (http://www.subbrilliant.com)
  • Wrote and acted in theatrical play called “Attack of the Mindless Alien Hosts from Outer Space“
  • Wrote and produced six episodes of access TV comedy show called “Subbrilliant Television“
  • DJ at pirate radio station “Free Radio Austin”
  • Wrote two novels, one called “Boiling Point” e-published.
  • Performed Frank Sinatra songs on-stage with musician Jennifer Cook
  • Maintained LAN for large bookstore
  • Wrote freelance articles

Other Relevant Experience 1986-1993

Writer

Radio Host/Program Director

  • Intern National Public Radio’s Morning Edition (1993)
  • Anchor News/Election Coverage Channel 2 , Urbana, Illinois (1992)
  • Program director WPGU rock radio (1989-1991)
  • DJ WPGU rock radio (1988-1993)
  • Political reporter for Illini Journal (1990-1993)
  • DJ WGEL country music station (1986-1989)

EDUCATION

BS, Journalism, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Graduate Work in Communications, University of Texas-Austin

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