CV/Bio

As a veteran journalist, telling compelling stories about ordinary people has been Tony Russo's specialty. Whether profiling artists, community leaders, or combat veterans, he has a knack for helping people connect to personal stories. 


After nearly 20 years covering news and writing features for local outlets, Tony moved into independent journalism, telling stories about how small events affected the larger culture. 


In addition to writing about the craft beer revolution, Tony wrote and hosted "This Is War" a narrative podcast documenting the personal stories of combat veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 


His most recent work, Dragged Into the Light: Truthers, Reptilians, Super Soldiers, and Death Inside an Online Cult was awarded a silver medal for true crime in the 2022 Independent Publisher Book Awards looks into how one nondescript woman was able to tap into the rising paranoia that birthed the conspiracy theory culture. 


Tony lives on Maryland's Eastern Shore with his wife and the only of his four daughters who has yet to move out. Together they keep their dog and cats comfortable. 



Tony Russo

12 Spruce Street Delmar, MD, 21875 

Phone: 443-614-2290 email: bytonyrusso@gmail.com


PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:


Podcast Producer and Host, Wondery/Incongruity Media 2017-2020

  • Host, write and produce narrative podcasts

  • Research, write, edit and record show scripts

  • Conduct and edit interviews, book remote recording studios

  • Work with sponsors on promotional pushes


Freelance Editor, InvestorPlace.com 2017-Present

  • Edit submitted copy 

  • Rewrite headlines to length and content standards

  • Check and improve SEO, including photos and links

  • Insert ads with an eye toward readability and design


Writer and Columnist, Gannett (Salisbury Daily Times) 2017-2018

  • Write bimonthly beer column

  • Cover food and drink beat on Delaware and Maryland beaches

  • Develop food and drink features


Managing Editor, State Ventures (OceanCity.com) 2015-2017

  • Produce text, photos and video content for destination websites

  • Promote events for advertisers

  • Manage social media for multiple pages with more than 

200,000 subscribers.

  • Produce audio podcasts


Managing Editor, ShoreCraftBeer.com 2014-2017

Ocean City, MD

  • Populate blog with stories

and photos covering local beer culture.

  • Produce weekly State of the Beer video podcast

  • Meet with brewers and industry people regularly to

help promote local breweries.

  • Maintain WordPress website


Editor, Morning Star Publications 2015

Seaford, DE

  • Provide news coverage and features for two weekly 

and two monthly publications.

  • Shoot and edit photos to accompany all stories

  • Copy edit submitted items and photos

  • Design and produce pages using InDesign


Freelance Writer, The Metropolitan Magazine 2014-2017

Salisbury, MD

  • Research and write business features

  • Provide relevant photographs as needed


Business Editor, The Star Democrat 2012-2013

Easton, MD

  • Plan and write business and real estate news, features and commentary

  • Produce finance page daily, Friday Real Estate and Sunday Business sections

  • Proof two weekly products and assist in daily layout and editing

  • Post stories online using Town News CMS


Web producer, GoodCleanFunLife.com 2011-present

Berlin, MD

  • Plan, host and edit weekly news, lifestyle and entertainment podcast

  • Book and interview guests

  • Handle back-end production issues using Wordpress and Blogger


Editor and Staff Writer, The Bayside Gazette 2006-2012

Berlin, MD

  • Conceive editorial calendar and provide it to the publishers

  • Manage interns, contributors and production department

  • Arrange and conduct interviews with civic, business and community leaders

  • Copy edit submitted material and photos

  • Cover breaking news and develop news, business, health and lifestyle features

  • Provide photographs for stories


Reporter, The Laurel Star 2004-2006

Laurel, DE

  • Cover Delmar Board of Education

  • Write assigned as well as personally develop features


ADDITIONAL SKILLS:

Google Streetview Trusted Photographer

Wordpress design 

Hootsuite, Coschedule, Mailchimp scheduling 


BOOKS:

Dragged Into the Light: Truthers, Reptilians, Super Soldiers, and Death Inside an Online Cult Secant Press, 2021

Delaware Beer: The Story of Brewing in the First State 

The History Press, 2016

Eastern Shore Beer: The Heady History of Chesapeake Brewing 

The History Press, 2014


HONORS/ACTIVITIES

●  Appointed to the Maryland Selective Service Board

●  First Place Business Feature MDDC Press Association 2009

●  Presidential Citizen Scholar

 

My portfolio is available at RussoDigital.com

Social Media:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ByTonyRusso

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bytonyrusso

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ossurynot

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