30: Matt Herren, Founder - Herren Media

To people who want to get a pitch meeting with television executives, but don’t know where to start. Matt Herren gives sage advice in how to make initial contact and how to present your idea once you have your foot in the door… in this episode of The Doorpost Podcast Project! 

 

BIO:

Matt is a self-described change agent with 20+ years experience cultivating business development strategies & tactics for billion dollar corporations and startups. Specialized in the media sector, he has executed partnerships and digital initiatives with global content and technology leaders such as Amazon, Scripps Networks, NBC Universal, Discovery Communications, Hulu, Verizon, AOL, PBS, ION Media Networks, and Google.

 

Matt has developed numerous award-winning broadcast-TV series and acquired, distributed hundreds of hours of content throughout Europe, Middle East, Pan-Asia and Latin America markets (60+ countries worldwide). Currently operating under his consulting firm HerrenMedia LLC, Matt delivers disruptive sales, marketing & distribution strategies for broadcast/digital networks and emerging businesses & technology platforms. Recent projects include acquisition strategy and contract negotiation for new digital network in EMEA region; WPBT-Miami project development & strategy; PBS pledge program (Longevity Tai Chi) development & launch - co-produced with Detroit Public Television and distributed by American Public Television; and release of retail DVDs and on-demand videos through online partners and big-box retailers such as Costco, BestBuy, Wal-Mart, and Amazon.

 

With an extensive background in digital media since 2000, Matt has had the pleasure of collaborating with numerous distinguished academic, nonprofit & professional organizations and institutions, including The American Academy of Pediatrics, Harvard-MIT, National Dairy Council, The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, and the International Food & Information Council; as well as developed content and distribution campaigns with leading corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Mead Johnson, GE, Bristol Myers Squibb, United Health, Amazon, Best Buy, General Mills, McNeil Nutritionals, Quest Diagnostics, Purdue Pharma and McCormick & Company (among others). In 2002, Matt was instrumental in the commercial launch of GE/NBC’s The Patient Channel, distributed via satellite into 2,600+ hospitals nationwide, and recently consulted with the network (now d/b/a The Wellness Network) on the launch of a new co-branded digital channel with The American Heart Association. From 2011-2013, Matt served as Vice President Business Development for Everwell TV—one of the nation’s largest digital-out-of-home networks, reaching 18 million viewers—driving network advertising & sponsorship strategy and later advising the executive team and investors on the successful merger/acquisition with AccentHealth (the largest waiting-room television network reaching 30,000 physician offices with exclusive CNN programming). Previously, Matt spent 11 years as Vice President Business Development and Marketing for Information Television Network—a recognized leader in original TV production and distribution—driving overall revenue performance and strategic/tactical sales and marketing with an emphasis on business affairs, contract negotiation, global licensing & distribution, sponsorship/advertising sales, content & brand development and co-productions & partnerships.

 

Embracing a holistic approach to business with a focus on collaboration and developing strong partnerships, Matt consistently employs his hands-on expertise, creative thinking and big-picture vision to all of his endeavors. Matt has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida.