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 17 years’ experience in online and print writing about technology, science and business and their intersection with policy, human rights and anthropoly, including extensive experience in editing and running busy Technology and Business news desks on a roving 24-hour news cycle, as well as covering World, US and UK domestic breaking news.
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.
Mary-Ann has been nominated for several awards, including the Tech Journalism Award at the British Journalism Awards
2021, Digital Writer of the Year at The Drum Online Media Awards 2016, Technology Journalist of the Year at the UK Tech Awards 2016, in addition to making the shortlist for a number of other awards.
She has been published in at least 30 international newspapers, magazines and news sites.
Mary-Ann specialises in "breaking down" complicated concepts to help improve the general public's understanding of niche subjects.
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.
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.
TOPICS OF INTEREST
TECHNOLOGY Drones; 3D printing; robotics; artificial intelligence; IT and mobile security; telecoms and wireless communications; patent trolls; medical and scientific technology breakthroughs; aerospace and defence; quantum computing; retro tech; quirky, unusual geek stories; technology and its intersection with politics, crime and human rights; space propulsion; fin tech (bitcoin and blockchain for dummies).
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 Brexit; Bank of England interest rates; PMIs; effects of policy on UK 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, TECHNICAL WRITING, EVENT HOSTING OR VIDEO/AUDIO CONTENT
If you would like to discuss media appearances, technical writing projects, 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.