MEET THE "BREAK IT DOWN" GIRL
Mary-Ann Russon is an award-nominated multimedia journalist, TV presenter, keynote speaker, technical writer and media trainer based in London, specialising in AI, quantum computing, 5G, cybersecurity, drones, space propulsion, gadgets, online privacy and much more.
She has more than 18 years’ experience in online and print writing about technology, science and business and their intersection with policy, human rights and anthropoly, as well as covering World, US and UK domestic breaking news.
Mary-Ann also has extensive experience in managing fast-paced roving 24-hour news desks successfully and directing reporters to seek out unique angles.
Presently she is freelancing with a number of publications and broadcasters, including the BBC, ITN, TRT World, The Evening Standard, The Economist, The Guardian and New Scientist, as well as working with private sector clients.
Mary-Ann's work has been nominated and shortlisted for several awards, including the Tech Journalism Award at the British Journalism Awards 2021, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Awards, Digital Writer of the Year at The Drum Online Media Awards 2016 and
Technology Journalist of the Year at the UK Tech Awards 2016.
Mary-Ann specialises in "breaking down" complicated concepts to help improve the general public's and decision makers' understanding of technology, science and business / economics, as well as delivering content that technologists, engineers and scientists would like to read for fun when they're not at work.
She has been published in at least 30 international newspapers, magazines and news sites. More than 200 research papers and books cite articles she has written over the last decade, while several governments mention her work in white papers:
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US Congress report: “Artificial Intelligence and National Security”
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UK Parliament report: “Drones in Hybrid Warfare: Evidence to the Defence Committee”
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European Commission report: "A New Era for Europe"
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US Federal Communications Commission order: “Protecting Against National Security Threats to the Communications Supply Chain Through FCC Programs – Huawei Designation”
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US Department of Defense journal article: “Assessment of DOD's Reports on Status of Efforts and Options for Improving Homeland Missile Defense”
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US-China Economic and Security Review Commission report: “Testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission: Hearing on China’s Advanced Weapons”
Primarily an "Online-first" journalist, she also ensures that content can be used in multiple broadcast mediums (TV, radio, online, video) at short notice. Her articles have consistently gone viral and topped Google News throughout her career.
Mary-Ann frequently appears on TV, radio and podcast to discuss news and current affairs. You can watch and listen to her on: BBC World; BBC World Service (Outside Source, The Newsroom, Tech Tent); TRT World; Times Radio and Iran International TV.
She also provides tech and business commentary live on air for several TV channels, radio stations and podcasts, as well as chairing panels at conferences like Web Summit, London Tech Week and Dublin Tech Summit.
HER WORK INCLUDES:
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Online breaking news coverage of technology, science, business, UK and world events
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Longform feature articles
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In-depth industry analysis
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Profiles of CEOs, CTOs and other senior executives
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Consumer product reviews
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Sub-editing, gatekeeping, managing junior reporters and freelancers
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Interactive web experiences to attract audiences
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Internet culture "viral" pieces targeted at millennials and Gen Z
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Technical explanatory copywriting for technology and business clients
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Commentary on current affairs for TV channels, radio stations and podcasts
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Producing, filming and editing video packages
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On-camera interviews
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Laying out print magazines
aS SEEN ON
HOW TO PITCH HER:
Please send all PR pitches to breakitdowngurl [at] pm.me.
Include a clear topic subject line, a summary of the topic, 5 key bullet points and then the release, together with any embargoes, links to cloud-hosted images and full contact details.
SPECIALTY COVERAGE TOPICS:
TECHNOLOGY Tech policy; artificial intelligence; quantum computing; cybersecurity; space propulsion; “Metaverse” technologies like VR, AR and haptics; telecoms and wireless technologies like 5G, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth, Internet of Things, fibre optics, satellites – basically anything using radio, light or ultrasound waves; “neural lace” brain-computer interfaces; drones, aerospace and defence innovations; fin tech (bitcoin and blockchain for dummies); 3D printing; robotics; climate change; medical tech breakthroughs and archaeology.
SCIENCE Most scientific topics that intersect with technology, with a special focus on anything relating to physics, quantum developments, photonics, lasers, holograms, space technologies - electromagnetic propulsion, detection of intelligent life - and aeronautical engineering.
BUSINESS Bank of England interest rates; PMIs; economic theory; effects of policy on businesses (e.g. rising business rates); personal finance; how technologies transform business; what tech giants are up to;
rights of gig economy workers; the changing economy; short and long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
MEDIA APPEARANCES, CONTENT WRITING OR EVENT HOSTING:
If you would like to discuss media appearances, content writing, thought leadership ghostwriting, event hosting or video/audio content production where I interview your clients on-camera or for a podcast, please contact me here.
MEDIA TRAINING:
I also offer media training to select clients who would like to better understand how the media works and the best way to work out what is newsworthy, as often companies accidentally bury the work they should be most proud of.
I also advise senior executives on the best way to field questions, explain concepts simply and provide interviews that are useful both for the journalist and the business being discussed.
If you would like to discuss media training, please contact me here.