What Working for PBS Engage Means
June 23, 2008 by Jonathan · Leave a Comment
As the product manager for PBS Engage, the social media initiative of the Public Broadcasting service, I get to work with magnificent people day in and day out to bring social-media to the masses. It’s a very exciting time to be working in social-media, and especially at such a stellar organization.
My one month-iversary at PBS is this week and here’s a sampling of what I’ve learned:
- Public Broadcasting loves you
- Public Broadcasting is relevant to your life
- Public Broadcasting is inexpensive to the everyday American
- Public Broadcasting wants to hear what you have to say
- Public Broadcasting depends on Viewers Like You for support
- Public Broadcasting hires and retains some of the awesomest people I’ve ever known
- Public Broadcasting has amazing online content that just wants to be found
- And so much more!
Why Life Has Been Crazy: My Huge Job Announcement
May 23, 2008 by Jonathan · 3 Comments
Over the last few weeks I’ve been dropping hints on Twitter, but it’s about time I just came out with it. I’ve accepted a position at the Public Broadcasting Service. In case you’ve been wondering why the big move and road trip from Missouri to Washington DC was happening, that’s why.
I’m joining the ranks of those working full-time on social-media. Social media is such a huge part of the Internet now, and it’s not going anywhere and I’m here to make sure of that!
My title and job at PBS is Assistant Product Manager for PBS Engage. PBS Engage is the social media initiative funded by grants from the Ford Foundation and the Knight Foundation to get people to engage and connect with all of the great content that PBS distributes (like the awesome new series Carrier!).
The PBS Engage team is only a handful of people and the fate of social media is in our hands! 
Well ok, social media isn’t going anywhere regardless of whether or not we’re pushing for it, but I can dream right?
Feedback and response to Engage has been tremendous already with tons of comments on the Engage Blog, and lots of Twitter followers across PBS shows and communities.
At PBS I’ll be working with some really brilliant minds to come up with new ways of enabling participation, engagement, and conversation based around PBS content across the country. In addition to thinking of great ideas, we’re also building social tools to make things like social-networking even easier for PBS viewers regardless of the distribution channel used.
I’m really excited to be joining the PBS family here in the Washington DC area and am looking forward to seeing all of the progress we make in the next year.
With this new position I’ll be relying on YOU even more than before, so keep those @jdcoffman’s, dms, emails, and Facebook messages coming. Without YOU, there is no social-media.
Other Blogs I Contribute To
January 23, 2008 by Jonathan · Leave a Comment
Here are some other blogs that I’ve written or edited for:
- PBS Engage Blog - The social media laboratory at the Public Broadcasting Service
- The Convergency Room - Convergence Journalism blog of the Missouri School of Journalism
- Changing The Web World - New Media blog for KOMU
- Combatting Autism From Within - Microsite and blog for KOMU sweeps series
- Countdown The Cotton Bowl - microsite and blog for KOMU series
- Contributr Corporate Blog
Resume
January 19, 2008 by Jonathan · Leave a Comment
Click here to download a PDF version of my Resume.
Profile
Using my journalistic and inquisitive eye I’m able to generate new and exciting ideas for content delivery using new or existing frameworks. My ability to take new ideas and concepts and translate them in team and managerial style as well as communicate the technical feasibility and usage allows me to effectively lead and organize new communication initiatives.
Managerial
Product Manager, PBS Engage - Public Broadcasting Service - May 2008-Present
PBS Engage is the social-media initiative of the Public Broadcasting Service. As product manager, I create new ideas and ways for PBS corporate, and all 350 member stations across the country to use and participate in social media. Launching products, services, and tools that PBS could use allowed me to creatively enhance and build upon my ideas and research in social-media.
Web Editor/Reporter - KOMU-TV 8 - Aug 2005-Present
I produced unique online content on a daily basis, coordinated and produced multi-platform news presentations, as well as managed, and presented breaking news. In addition to the content generation and editorial roles, I worked to integrate the technical operations of the station to enhance their online presence.
Convergence Reporter/Editor - Columbia Missourian - Aug 2005- Dec 2007
I generated weekly feature story ideas and sources, coordinated and produced multi-platform news coverage and researched and analyzed data for extended news projects.
KBIA-FM, Columbia, MO - Aug 2005-Dec 2006
As a convergence reporter and editor I worked with reporters and producers to gather story ideas and sources, lead and coordinate story meetings. I also prepared and published packages and newscasts as podcasts.
Managerial Experience
Owner/Operator, Online Nursery - May 2006- Aug 2007
I founded this plant and seed company and grew it into an online mail-order company selling to retail and wholesale customers. I managed several employees, built the online ordering system, negotiated pricing with suppliers, and shipped over 3,000 live plants across the country.
ADA Assistant, Aug 2007-Present
As an assistant to the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator I worked with students and employees of the University of Missouri to ensure compliance with ADA rules and regulations. in addition, I researched and negotiated solutions for disabled persons affiliated with the University.
Education
Missouri School of Journalism, BJ May 2008, Convergence Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcast and Online Media. Minor in Sociology.
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