Vitae / Resume
Thomas E. Meek
310 - 663 - 6000
tvccs1@gmail.com
History of Accomplishment - Skills, Perspectives & Abilities
Major factor in building nationwide number one rated operation and flagship business of Fortune 500 Media Company.
During tenure business asset value increased from $40 million to $325 million in 10 years, with annual revenues tripling to more than $20,000,000 and net profit margins in excess of 40%.
Numerous presentations to corporate boards, CEO's, members of Congress and staffs, government agencies and industry groups with an ability to make complex issues understandable and recognize and highlight opportunities.
Development of computer applications for both custom and industry-wide to databases to fit specific needs and markets previously not served.
Served as lead expert for US Supreme Court case deciding the future of two communications industries and billions of dollars in asset values, as well as market predominance. The case was won on a 5-4 vote in significant part due to direct information provided as part of over 100,000 pages of original research, reports, affidavits and depositions, as repeatedly cited in the Court's decision.
Recognized as industry-leading expert having produced and moderated major events with industry and government leaders across the United States.
Development and execution of Business and Strategic Plans for full-time and consulting clients.
Award-winning media Producer/Director/Editor/Writer/Videographer/Photographer.
Weekly Columnist for New York Times Regional Newspaper and Group.
Extensive industry, political and media contacts.
Broad knowledge of media and computer industries, trends, and businesses as recognized by media and industry leaders.
Strong ability to see the big picture as well as the small steps needed to actually accomplish goals and objectives on a day-to-day basis.
Ability to interface with all levels of corporate hierarchies to find workable solutions to complex issues and priorities and make difficult choices.
Genuinely unique perspectives often years ahead of the industry as a whole. Understands business and market dynamics and how they can affect future opportunities.
An ongoing ability to learn new skills, change and adapt, and not be intimidated.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
President & Managing Editor, LAjazz.com – Serve as Columnist, Editor and Web Designer for Southern California's leading web resource devoted to live jazz music. Development and implementation of 30+ page website and all included content. Extensive social media development including Facebook, Twitter, and more. 2007-Present
Music/Feature Writer, LA Weekly – Regular music-related features and picks for Los Angeles' leading music, culture and arts publication. 7 years
Consultant, TVCCS - Consulting Services (Private Business) 20+ years
Strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis. Acquisition research, review and due diligence. Business process system analysis and review. Preparation and presentation of reports for corporate boards, courts, trade organizations, industry professional groups, CEO's, sales and managers. Contract development, review and implementation. Marketing and communications (MARCOM) plans and development. Advertising planning, negotiation and purchasing. Development of direct mailing lists. Custom detailed market research, competitive review, economic studies and analysis. Custom database application development. Extensive usage of AC Nielsen surveys and databases with complex statistical study and analysis. Custom survey development, execution and analysis. Personnel management consultation and evaluation. Development of promotional and marketing materials including radio, television, print and other media. Development and production of seminars delivered online, via satellite, nationwide direct presentation, and college and public forums, including topic development, guest scheduling, facilities and travel/hotel booking, producing, literature distribution, handout materials development and printing, promotion and sponsorship development. Technical advisement, purchasing, configuration, installation, training on hardware and software for individual and corporate clients. Design and production of computer-based multimedia presentations and analog/digital video editing/storage. ADA and EEO and other regulatory advisement and development. Liaison with counsel. Document conversions and photo restoration. Media contact development. Public and customer relations and plan development. Government relations planning, strategies and contacts. Interdepartmental communication development. Website content development and author. Extensive research via Internet including technical support and troubleshooting. Tape and disk drive backups. Author/Writer of "Another Day In Cyberville" weekly column for The Gainesville Sun, Gainesville, Florida and New York Times Regional Newspaper Group, and other articles and publications.
Computer Skills & Experience – Extensive Hardware, Software, Mobile Devices, Video Conferencing, High-Speed Internet & Networks - Microsoft Partner Program Member 1998-2008 - Evaluation, Purchase, Installation & Troubleshooting – Windows and Mac. Member Microsoft TechNet, MSDN, Direct Access and OEM System Builder programs. (please inquire for additional skills and details)
Television Services - Services provided to stations, groups, trade organizations and governmental agencies include cable regulation implementation and cable copyright research and analysis. Syndicated exclusivity studies and analysis. Cable carriage plans including advertising and marketing. Custom Nielsen analysis including diary and metered markets, application development and database verification. Development of Nielsen NHI, NSI, CODE, STAR, MicroNode and other reports and analysis. Nielsen Dunedin onsite diary research and analysis. HDTV and digital television planning and conversion. Station acquisition advisement and station inspections, valuations. FCC License acquisition, renewal analysis and advisement. FCC rules compliance advisement including station Public File and Children's Television Act. Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent analysis, contract preparation and negotiation. Cable carriage histories including competitive analysis and channel positioning. Tower site location and analysis including zoning, engineering, microwave and airspace issues. Broadcast signal quality analysis and cable carriage denial research. Attorney and Engineering liaison. FCC EEO development plans and implementation. Satellite station analysis and development. Complete start-up plans including engineering, programming, sales, budget and staffing.
Expert Witness/Services For Counsel - Admitted as expert witness in computer, broadcast and cable issues before U.S. courts, including United States Supreme Court. Provision of expert reports, affidavits and depositions as required. Advisement and acquisition of additional experts. Services to counsel and engineering consultants on various television/cable issues.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Station Operations Manager, WOFL-TV, Orlando, FL (Fox/Independent) 10 years
Management - Supervision of four departments and 26 employees. Recruiting/Hiring/Review/Firing of personnel. Prepare station's three-year Strategic Plan including total station budgets and forecasting. Prepare annual corporate board presentations. Layout and design of studio and office requirements for new facility. Maintain departmental budgets and edit/write monthly reports/newsletter articles. Numerous presentations to national and local corporate, trade and community organizations. Consult and purchase station computer systems and equipment for a variety of applications, continuing training and advisement on hardware and software. National/Local media contact. Implement intern and minority scholarship programs. Handle various inquiries from public and other professionals. Statewide LPTV/satellite/translator project manager. Coordination with all departments.
Research/Analysis - Research, preparation and analysis of ratings information for regulatory, cable, planning, programming, promotion and sales needs. Ongoing business and market research of all media competition. Usage of various computerized research including numerous Nielsen, Arbitron and other research database products. Development and execution of custom audience surveys.
Programming/Community Affairs/News - Executive Producer for thousands of local public service, news and minority affairs programs. Producer/Writer/Editor/Videographer for documentaries, remote satellite broadcasts, live telethons and specials. Review of syndication and network contracts. Handled thousands of inquiries from public/customers on a wide variety of issues.
Cable Relations - Station liaison with cable operators/MSO's. Research and preparation of cable reports/ information. Development and coordination of cable co-op program. Adviser to cable systems/MSO's on various issues. Cited by Fox and broadcast trade organizations as one of the most successful in the country.
Government/Regulatory/Group/Legal Issues - Consultant/Adviser to network, trade organizations, broadcast group and others. Station liaison with FCC, Congress, state/local government officials and others. FCC license renewal preparation. Station contact for corporate and Washington attorneys. EEO report preparation. ADA implementation.
Producer/Researcher, WFTV-TV, Orlando, Florida (ABC) 2 years
Responsible for producing daily half-hour morning news/info show along with special projects and documentaries. Duties included guest bookings, feature development, program formats, live remotes, field producing, show promos and press releases, writing and research of scripts and market research.
Producer / Assistant Director / Videographer/Editor, WUFT-TV, Gainesville, Florida (PBS) - “Come Together” prime-time magazine show, station specials and documentaries. Director/Co-Producer, WUFT-TV, Gainesville, Florida (PBS) - “Ernie Pyle, Here Is My War”, a one-hour drama on the life of the WWII correspondent. Production Crew, WUFT-TV, Gainesville, Florida (PBS) - Switcher, projectionist, tape operator/editor, floor director, cameras, audio, Vidifont. 2 years
Buyer, Peaches Records & Tapes, Columbus, Ohio - Buyer for national music chain. Handle negotiations, sales, inventory, stock, sales forecasting, customer relations. 1 year
Associate Producer, WTVG-TV, Toledo, Ohio (NBC) - Organization and production of a weekly half-hour local show involving 40 area high schools. 2 years
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science - University of Florida. Study concentrations: Communications with minors in philosophy and political science. Additional post-baccalaureate coursework.
Additional Experience and References are available upon request.
CLIENT LIST (Partial)
United States Supreme Court
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
United States Department Of Justice
Cable Data Corporation
Nielsen Media Research
Swedish Televerknet
Fox Broadcasting Corporation
Meredith Corporation
Pulitzer Corporation
National Association Of Broadcasters (NAB)
Association Of Independent Television Stations (INTV)
Association Of Local Television Stations (ALTV)
National Association Of Television Program Executives (NATPE)
Public Broadcasting System (PBS)
Association of Public Television Stations (APTS)
Chris-Craft Television/UPN Network
Guy Gannett Television Stations
First Media Corporation
York-Susquehanna L.P.
Fort Hill Group L.P.
Cox Communications
Falcon Cable
Scripps-Howard Cable
Venice Broadcasting Group
Global Shopping Network
Haley, Bader & Potts
Mullin, Rhyne, Emmons & Topel
Verner, Lipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand
Jenner & Block
Costa De Oro Television, Inc.
Harrison, Bond & Pecaro
Herrin Broadcasting L.P.
RKZ Television, Inc.
Home Shopping Network
Urban Broadcasting Group
Family Television Group
Shands at AGH
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Gainesville Police Department
Paradise Sound & Light
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS/TRADESHOWS
Panelist/Co-Producer - NATPE International, national satellite-fed panel on communications and cable regulation, negotiations and marketing, The panels featured national communications industry leaders. Orlando, FL
Panelist - NATPE International, national online seminar on communications and cable regulation, Los Angeles, CA
Panelist - Seminar on media and cable regulation, American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT) National Convention, Orlando, FL
Trade Show - Design and staffing of trade show booths, Fox TV, Florida Cable Television Association Annual Conventions
Presentation/Producer - Seminar for Swedish Televerknet (Swedish National Telephone Service) on U.S. communications, cable, telephone and data services past, present and future, Orlando, FL
Panelist - Seminar on communications regulation and marketing, American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT) National Convention, Atlanta, GA
Producer/Moderator/Presenter - Series of four National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) Educational Foundation Regional Seminars in Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco & Washington, D.C. Sessions produced included cable/broadcast cooperation, use of ratings research for sales, programming and cable information, legal issues affecting the industries, and future industry trends. Panels included over 30 national industry leaders from cable, broadcast, law and government.
Panelist - Seminar on Broadcast/Cable Regulations and Relations, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Convention, Las Vegas, NV
Panelist - Seminar on Broadcast/Cable Relations and Marketing, Cable Television Advertising & Marketing (CTAM) National Convention, Chicago, IL
Panelist - Cox Cable National Meeting, Seminar on Future Of Cable and Communications, Atlanta, GA
Presentation - AC Nielsen Research, FCC Brown Bag Luncheon, Washington, DC
Panelist - Broadcast/Cable Regulations/Relations, NAB Convention, Las Vegas
Panelist - Broadcast/Cable Regulations/Issues, Haley, Bader & Potts NAB Seminar, Las Vegas, NV
Presentations - Louis Comfort Tiffany Docent Training, Morse Museum of Art, Winter Park, FL
Presentation - Seminole County Chamber of Commerce - Impact of WOFL-TV in Lake Mary & Public Service Programs, Sanford, FL
Presentation - Central Florida United Way - Television Public Service Opportunities, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL
Speaker/Presenter - Numerous community, government, trade and corporate presentations, Orlando, FL; Washington, DC
PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS
Seminars - Over 1000 Technical Seminars from Microsoft, Adobe, Corel and other technology providers. 10+ years
Seminars - Various seminars on management, promotion, programming, regulation, production, engineering, computerized operations, remote operations, digital content, digital broadcasting, cable and other subjects, NAB Convention, Las Vegas, 10+ years
Seminars - Various seminars on communications law and regulation, American Bar Association Forum on Communications Law, Las Vegas. 10+ years
Seminars - Various seminars on marketing, promotion and content, NATPE International, Houston and Las Vegas. 3 years
Seminars - Various seminars on cable marketing and related issues, Cable Television Advertising & Marketing (CTAM) National Convention, Chicago.
Seminars - Various seminars on EEO, Performance Management, Employee Relations, and numerous other topics, Meredith Career Development Center. 10 years
Seminars – Various seminars on cable television issues – Florida Cable Television Association. 9 years
Note: Tom Meek is currently accepting inquiries for full-time permanent positions worldwide in addition to consulting projects (click here for a downloadable PDF version of this resume/vitae).