Let’s get to work.

From national institutions to intimate non-profits, Ross mixes his lighthearted sensibilities with an understanding of organization needs to create unique content. His production and creative writing degree from Temple University blends with his comedy passion for quality, honesty, and entertainment.

 

Making news interactive, WHYY

In WHYY News’ community engagement department, Ross zeroes in on the stories most important to the Delaware Valley and turns them into interactive experiences. He works directly with reporters and community leaders to elevate issues that need a boost, connecting WHYY to the community it serves and vice versa.

Ross puts a face to issues, finding nuance and connection in a society more segmented than ever. For example, when policies popped up around the country targeting LGBTQ+ people, Ross convened trans voices live on Instagram for Transgender Day of Visibility to hear stories of resilience and joy.

Through TikTok, Ross has also experimented with bringing WHYY news pieces to life to engage younger audiences (including shuttering Chester County hospitals and sweltering Philly schools). In total, these videos have amassed over 18,000 views across his personal TikTok and Instagram accounts.

See a panel discussion on public transportation safety by clicking below.

Watch

Storytelling, KYW Newsradio

News is a fast-paced world. It’s essential to get information out quickly and succinctly without letting quality suffer. At one of the Delaware Valley’s best-known radio stations, Ross calmly handled in-the-moment decisions. What’s noteworthy? What’s relevant to the listener? Collaborating with anchors, Ross would wear a writer and a news editor hat on any given day.

The key is delivering the top stories in a conversational tone. Big words are great for the SATs, not for someone trying to get the latest on the way to work.

Ross stepped in to host KYW’s tri-daily All-Local podcast and has worked on a pilot presentation on historical landmarks in Pennsylvania, which you can hear by clicking below.

Listen
 
newer.jpg

Community building, Tribe 12

In the nonprofit world, quality is just as important as quantity. Ross ran and oversaw 200+ events for 1600+ young professionals in the Philadelphia area. From large happy hours to handwritten cards — in-person and virtual — Ross constantly saw trends and how they can bring folks together.

Ross met 1:1 with new people each week, each looking for community and a person to connect with them. This became even more crucial, as Ross transitioned all programming and community virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ross produced podcasts, cooking videos, blog posts, and more to strategize Tribe 12’s reach. Read Ross’ interview with the Jewish Exponent by clicking below, and learn more about these initiatives in his own words.

Read
 
Smerconish and Richard Vague.jpg

Social media, Michael Smerconish

Ross oversaw Sirius XM and CNN anchor Michael Smerconish’s social media for his first job out of college. Ross analyzed his Facebook and Instagram accounts, recommending strategies to increase the quantity and quality of engagement. In his time, Ross increased Michael’s Instagram presence by more than 25% and created Facebook video content to give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the anchor. The videos amassed a total of 10K+ views.

The Auburn Reporter’s Richard Elfers featured Ross’ editorial from Smerconish.com. Read his analysis here (the original editorial is no longer available).

Click below to watch a short concert video of Michael Smerconish’s tour stop at the City Winery in New York City, or click here to see the tour stop at the Sellersville Theater.

Watch

Promotions, WHYY

Ross worked alongside WHYY’s promotions department to create weekly newsletters, edit and shoot TV promos, edit short-form programming, and drive home messages during pledge drives.

Here, Ross mastered adhering to a brand’s tone and ensuring all copy reads in the same voice. Click below to see clips from WHYY’s Yum, which Ross co-edited and produced along with Tony Sadowski.

 

Research, Glass Entertainment Group

In addition to auditioning actors and shooting promotional photos, Ross did research and assisted production for true crime shows on Investigation Discovery and Oxygen. He fact-checked script and on-screen graphics data, sought out local filming locations, and ensured consistency in episodic edits. Further, he worked on three episodes of the Killer Closer (above).

Ross wrote a treatment for a true-crime special about the life and crimes of Jennifer Pan, a murderer in Canada caught in a web of lies, which was later pitched to Oxygen. Click below to read the treatment.

 
 

Documentary Filmmaking

Produced at Temple University, Ross envisioned a documentary to explain why humans latch onto stuffed animals and other “comfort objects.” The film tracks the course of these possessions from early childhood through old age.

 

Awards and Highlights