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Matt Potter

Chief Content Officer at John Brown Media Group, Journalist at BBC, Washington Post, Author, Broadcaster

Professional Background

Matt Potter is a distinguished journalist and content creator whose career spans several respected media organizations, including The Washington Post, BBC, and The Telegraph. With his extensive experience, he has established himself as a versatile and adaptive storyteller in various formats: print journalism, television broadcasting, and digital content creation. Currently, he serves as the Chief Content Officer at one of the world’s leading global content agencies, where he brings his innovative vision to life across omnichannel platforms.

In addition to his editorial leadership, Matt has ventured into filmmaking, making significant contributions to both scripted and non-scripted formats. He has served as a consultant scriptwriter for the film 'OUTLAWS INC.', produced by Thunder Road Pictures, and was instrumental in the making of the award-winning documentary 'ARMS DEALER: THE NOTORIOUS MR BOUT', which premiered at Sundance in 2014 and received accolades from BBC Storyville. His storytelling skills bring depth and context to complex subjects, making him a sought-after voice in both multimedia journalism and creative projects.

Education and Achievements

Matt’s academic journey began at the prestigious University of Cambridge, where he earned a Master of Arts in English. This rigorous education laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in writing and journalism. His literary talents have been recognized widely, not least through his bestselling book ‘OUTLAWS INC.’ which has achieved remarkable international success, landing in the top tier of non-fiction bestseller lists in the UK.

Published by leading publishing houses across the globe, including Pan Macmillan and Bloomsbury, the book has been translated into 29 languages and received critical acclaim. Renowned figures, such as Damien Lewis of the BBC and John Sweeney of the Literary Review, have lauded his work for its gripping narrative and in-depth investigative journalism. Critics from distinguished publications, including The Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, and Fox News, have described it as both riveting and a thrilling exploration of the underbelly of international smuggling.

Beyond ‘OUTLAWS INC.', Matt has authored other notable works, including 'THE LAST GOODBYE', published by Little, Brown in 2014, which has also gained literary praise for its profound and poetic narrative.

Media Contributions and Recognitions

Matt's media presence extends beyond print and authorship; he has crafted compelling narratives as a presenter, writer, and director for the 'MERCENARIES' documentary series on the Discovery Channel. This role further exemplifies his multifaceted skills in engaging storytelling and content production.

His career in journalism reflects a trajectory of leadership and innovation. He has held pivotal roles at John Brown Media; as the Head Of Editorial Digital, he played a crucial role in driving content forward in an increasingly digital landscape. Previously, he has also been the head of various creative and editorial teams, shaping narratives and leading projects that resonate with audiences.

Prior to John Brown Media, Matt held several editorial positions, including Group Editor and Deputy Editorial Director at Forward Worldwide, and Associate Editor at Top Right Group. His extensive experience encompasses all facets of journalism, from on-the-ground reporting to strategic editorial planning.

Skills and Specialties

Matt's professional skill set is diverse and broad, encapsulating editorial and creative direction, filmmaking, journalism, and storytelling across varied media formats. He possesses a keen ability to navigate complex subjects through compelling narratives and articulate presentations, making him not only a great journalist but also an effective client liaison and strategic consultant.

In the sphere of broadcasting and media production, Matt excels in pitch and presentation, making him a well-rounded media professional who knows how to communicate ideas effectively to both audiences and clients alike. His expertise extends into social media management and multi-language content creation, highlighting his adaptability in a global media environment.

Conclusion

In summary, Matt Potter is a talented journalist and creative professional with a proven track record in both media and literature. His insights and innovative approach have paved the way for significant achievements in journalism and storytelling. His continued contributions in various forms of media exemplify the dynamic nature of contemporary content creation and journalism, where he remains a prominent figure with a dedicated following. As he continues to explore new narratives and technologies, Matt's journey promises to be one of ongoing impact in the world of global media.

Highlights

Mar 20 · linkedin

Need help pitching your stories as a journalist? The next online event is this coming Sunday. The New York Times/FT's Caitlin Kelly and I have released additional tickets. To find out why attendees have been calling it, "inspirational" and "The best seminar I have ever attended", check it out here! See you there: https://lnkd.in/eb_nPxyk

Nov 20 · linkedin

I got my first call from someone on the Be My Eyes app that lets the sighted step up for blind and low-vision people today. I’m a bit of a late adopter, having only heard about it this week. You register, and when time permits, you can answer video calls placed by blind app users asking for your help. Which one of these ties goes with this shirt? Which of these cartons in the supermarket is the one to put in my basket? Or, as today, a chap asking what the info on his weighing scales said. (I told him, and he went, ‘Oh blimmin’ heck,’ which I mean, massively relatable there.)

No time when it rings? No problem - it will ring through to other volunteers. You might not even get a single call for weeks.

But today I did, and I feel like thanking the founder, a Danish visually impaired guy himself, for having the idea and going with it; and the people working there. It’s not often that a crowdsourcing app lives up to every hope the internet allowed us to cling to. Silicon Valley social media owners talk a lot about ‘bringing people closer together’. But this - this is what that really means.

Anyway, Be My Eyes is embarking on the next step of its evolution now, using AI for some of the text-reading tasks. And again, in a time of hype fatigue and cynicism about AI, what a lovely thing to see.

If you haven’t registered, it takes 2 minutes. Go for it.

#bemyeyes #blindness #techinnovation #apps #aiapplications

Related Questions

How did Matt Potter's experience at the University of Cambridge influence his writing style and career path?
What motivated Matt Potter to transition from traditional journalism to being a Chief Content Officer?
In what ways does Matt Potter's consulting work on films like 'OUTLAWS INC.' enhance his journalistic storytelling?
How has Matt Potter adapted his content strategies to thrive in the omnichannel media landscape?
What insights has Matt Potter gained from his experiences as a broadcaster and journalist that he applies to his current role as Chief Content Officer?
Matt Potter
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Location

London, United Kingdom