Suggestions
Tanya Ott
Assistant Professor of Journalism at Mercer University Audio.Storyteller - Educator - Researcher⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀
Professional Background
Tanya Ott is an accomplished storyteller with a multifaceted career in journalism, audio production, and education. With a dedication to bringing compelling narratives to life, Tanya has made a significant impact across various media platforms, including podcasts that cover a diverse range of topics such as technology, healthcare, history, and food. Her current role as the Press Room Podcast Host and Producer at Deloitte allows her to weave together engaging stories that resonate with listeners, while her deep understanding of audio journalism and production makes her an invaluable asset in the media landscape.
Over the years, Tanya has held a variety of key positions, including serving as the Senior Podcast Producer at Allrecipes.com, where she created engaging content that celebrated culinary storytelling. Her career has been characterized by a blend of creativity and technical expertise, as seen in her experience with mobile app sound design and talent coaching at Backstory Educational Media. This unique combination of skills enables Tanya to elevate audio narratives, ensuring that each project upholds high standards for production quality and creativity.
An advocate for education and skill development, Tanya has also taken on the role of a PD Workshop Trainer with the Public Radio Program Directors organization. In this capacity, she empowers emerging audio professionals and journalists, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience in order to foster future talent in the industry. Tanya’s commitment to diversity within newsrooms is evident from her research initiatives that aim to enhance representation and inclusivity in storytelling, further demonstrating her passion for creating a richer media environment.
Tanya has held notable leadership roles such as the Vice President of Radio and News Content at Georgia Public Broadcasting. During her tenure, she guided the station's news operations and played a pivotal role in crafting programming that meets the evolving needs of their audience. Additionally, her experience as News Director at 90.3 WBHM-FM highlighted her ability to lead teams in delivering timely and relevant news content to the community.
Education and Achievements
Tanya's educational foundation is built upon her studies in communication and journalism. She pursued her Doctoral studies in Communication at The University of Alabama, alongside a Master of Arts in Journalism from the same esteemed institution. Earlier, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Communications, with a concentration in Public Relations, at the University of Florida. This comprehensive education provides a robust understanding of media, communication, and audience engagement, informing her approach to narrative creation and professional development.
Tanya’s pursuit of academic excellence is complemented by her extensive real-world experience. She served as a freelance reporter for Marketplace by APM and has garnered experience at several public radio stations including Colorado Public Radio, where she was known for her engaging presence as an All Things Considered Host. Each of these roles contributed to her diverse skill set and helped shape her unique voice in the industry.
Tanya’s achievements are further evidenced by her success in producing compelling audio content that not only informs but also entertains. Her podcasts aim to bridge the gap between storytelling and education, making complex subjects accessible to a wider audience. Tanya’s outstanding contributions to the field of audio storytelling signify her commitment to advancing the quality and impact of public media.
Achievements
- Press Room Podcast Host and Producer at Deloitte: Currently leading podcast production that captures compelling stories in the realm of technology and healthcare.
- Senior Podcast Producer at Allrecipes.com: Created engaging culinary podcasts that celebrate food culture and storytelling.
- Mobile App Sound Design and Talent Coaching at Backstory Educational Media: Mentored professionals in sound design, ensuring high production standards in educational content.
- Vice President of Radio and News Content at Georgia Public Broadcasting: Directed news operations and programming, enhancing the station’s content strategy.
- Freelance Journalist: Cultivated a rich portfolio of work in both public radio and print, showcasing versatility and skill in diverse storytelling formats.
Tanya Ott’s passion for storytelling, commitment to quality audio production, and advocacy for diversity in journalism highlight her as a leader in the media industry. With a career defined by continual growth and a dedication to nurturing new talent, Tanya is poised to make further significant contributions to the evolving landscape of audio storytelling, enriching the experience for audiences everywhere.
