AP biz desk names Mayerowitz its editor for digital storytelling

Brad Foss, deputy business editor at the Associated Press, sent out the following announcement on Monday:

BIZ staff:

Some good news to share…

Scott Mayerowitz will take on a new and important role in Business News: editor of digital-platform storytelling. Working closely with editors and reporters, Scott will drive experimentation and training that helps us tell stories in creative and visually appealing ways for our growing digital audience.

Scott will complement and build upon the ongoing efforts of Amir and Tomoko, working with teams on text stories that lend themselves to alternative approaches; promoting the best ways to tell stories on particular digital platforms; and helping spread enthusiasm and knowledge about new techniques and technologies.

Scott brings an array of technical and leadership skills to this assignment. He has been a department leader in using video and social media; he has been closely involved with AP’s foray into virtual reality; and he is working on some audio-journalism initiatives, too.

Scott won’t be shy about proposing ideas and jump-starting projects, but he is also eager for people to approach him with ideas. Because collaboration is key, Scott will make sure the BIZ department maintains strong ties to leaders in the video, photo and interactive departments.

Since 2011, Scott has done a great job as an airlines and travel writer. He has distinguished himself as an industry leader on breaking news and he has consistently produced creative and high-impact enterprise stories that appeal to AP’s global audience. He understands the importance of producing stories in all formats, and he has helped train staffers across the US in video and social-media skills.

Before joining the AP, Scott was a business and travel reporter, and producer, for ABC News, and a statehouse reporter for the Providence Journal.

Scott will finish some travel-related projects over the next few weeks as he transitions into his new role. And since the travel beat is critical to our report, we will be looking to fill Scott’s old position ASAP.

Please join Lisa and me in congratulating Scott — and please seek him out early and often as you develop stories.

Brad