Robert Michael Murray
VP, Social Media at National Geographic. Adjunct professor at Georgetown. Exploring the intersections of culture, technology and human rights. Dare to follow.
Knowledge- Oration
- Musings
- Snapshots
- Whereabouts
- Passport
- Melodies
- Randomness
- Contact
-
Info
- Vice President, Social Media at National Geographic SocietyOnline Media | Washington D.C. Metro Area, USSummaryRobert Michael Murray is vice president, social media, for the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. As one of the first social media executives for a global media company, he is responsible for harnessing social technologies across the Society's various media platforms and non-profit efforts.
For nearly two decades Murray has been a senior strategist focused on communications, emerging technologies and live-event production in the commercial, nonprofit, political and higher education sectors. His work has garnered national and international media coverage; outlets include BBC, CNN, C-SPAN, The Washington Post, The New York Times and others.
In April 2011 Folio Magazine named Murray to its 2011 Folio 40 list along with Arianna Huffington, Mashable’s Pete Cashmore, Apple, The New York Times and others. The list recognizes the “most distinguished magazine and media professionals from every corner of our industry.” In recognizing Murray, Folio wrote: “In 19 months Robert Michael Murray has turned National Geographic [NG] into a social media powerhouse, a behemoth to be envied by publications around the world. In that short time Murray brought millions of fans to NG’s Facebook page, without ads or paid acquisition, while transforming the brand every step of the way.” National Geographic’s social media footprint now has 10 million fans and followers from around the globe.
In addition to his position at National Geographic, Murray is an adjunct professor in public relations and corporate communications at Georgetown University, where he teaches courses on digital storytelling and social media. He lectures on topics ranging from: pervasive to persuasive technologies; the power and limitations of media; digital and transmedia storytelling; and the varied ways in which social/emerging technologies intersect with culture, society and human rights.
* * * * *Specialties: • Emerging technologies, social media, Web 2.0 • Digital storytelling (e.g., audio, video, text, interactives, etc.) • Information architecture, ux design, experience engineering • Live event management, production, webstreaming • Media relations, crisis communications, protocol and events • Brand strategy, global positioning, interactive brand extension • Ethnographic research, requirements gathering, usability testing • Marketing, search engine optimization, analyticsExperience- Jul 2009 - PresentVice President, Social Media / National Geographic SocietyI lead social media efforts for National Geographic, where I am developing and executing social media strategies for the entire organization. Reporting through Marketing and Community Engagement, my responsibilities cross the Society at all levels as we explore how digital and emerging technologies transform all of our functions from editorial to design / technology and brand experiences to crisis communications. Successes: - Grew social media efforts to include industry-leading practices - Increased social media footprint more than 2,380% (~12M) - Helped make James Cameron trend worldwide on Twitter
- May 2009 - PresentAdjunct Professor in Public Relations & Corporate Communications / Georgetown University
- Aug 1999 - PresentDigital Strategist / Crowdscrapers
- Mar 2001 - Nov 2008Director of Digital Media Communications and Strategy / Georgetown University
- Jun 2000 - Sept 2000Webmaster / Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC)
- 1999 - 2000Web Development Project Manager / University of California, Irvine Alumni Association (UCIAA)
- 1996 - 1999Graphics & Digital Media Program Manager / University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Extension
EducationAdditional Information-
Websites:
-
Oration
KEYNOTES
- Social Media: A Look Back, Current State, and Future Spotting — Conference Chair and Opening Keynote, MPA Social Media Conference; New York, NY (Winter 2011)
- How Entrepreneurship Has Powered National Geographic Since 1888 — Keynote, Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference 2011; Phoenix, AZ (Winter 2011)
- The Power of Stories — Keynote, Social Media for Nonprofits; Chicago, IL and Washington, DC (Fall 2011, Summer 2011)
PANELS, PRESENTATIONS + WORKSHOPS
- The Power of Stories, Current State of Social Media, and Future Spotting — Workshop, FOLIO Conference 2011; New York, NY (Fall 2011)
- Music on… Photography with Moby — Moderator, National Geographic Live; Washington, DC (Spring 2011)
- SXSW Conservation Showdown — Panelist, SXSW; Austin, TX (Spring 2011)
- Social and Traditional Media: How News and Media Organizations are Getting Social and Why They Need To Do It — Media 2.0 Panel, Digital Capital Week; Washington, DC (Summer 2010)
- Social Media + National Geographic — Old (Traditional) Media Panel, SMASH Summit; San Francisco, CA (Spring 2010)
- Case Studies: Social Media for Business Panel — Blogworld Social Media Business Summit, [RE]Think: Hawaii; Honolulu, HI (Fall 2009)
- Content in Motion: Next Generation University Web Communications — JAA Conference 2006, John Carroll University; Cleveland, OH & HighEdWebDev 2005, RIT Inn and Conference Center; Rochester, NY Presented with Piet Niederhausen. (Fall 2005, Summer 2006)
COURSES + LECTURES
- Challenges in the International System: Information Technologies — International Relations Program for High School Students, Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Summer 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
- You Might Be the Future Leaders of the World, but the InterWebs Own You — First 96 Hours [ATHL-051], Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Fall 2008)
- From Persuasive to Pervasive: The Embedding of Technology within Society — Human Rights: A Culture in Crisis [ENGL-477/GOVT-321], Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Spring 2008)
- The Nature of (Information) Technologies in the Human Rights Culture — Human Rights: A Culture in Crisis [ENGL-477/GOVT-321], Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Spring 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)
- Yeah, I Facebooked Your Mom — Georgetown University Student-Athlete Orientation & Georgetown University Team Captain Orientation, Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Fall 2006, 2007)
- So, They Think it’s Just Facebook: How Students Are Living Life in a Digital World — Georgetown Athletics Staff Development, Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Fall 2006, 2007)
- Tom is NOT My Friend: Living Life in a Digital World — New Student Orientation Prelude Program, Georgetown University; Washington, DC (Summer 2006, 2007)
I welcome speaking opportunities—whether an industry keynote, briefing senior leaders, conference presentation or classroom lecture—please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss my availability.
-
Tweets
- #PromotedFail … 'nuff said. http://t.co/oZweW1T5
- Terrific to see Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) score 19 pts, 18 rebs, and 5 blks to put Pacers up 2-1. #HollaatyourRoy #HoyaSaxa
- ... tech talk + breakfast = #goap (geeks on a plane in buenos aires). (at @mercadolibre) [pic] — http://t.co/eR1f27Tl
- ... wheels down. #goap (@ Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza - Ministro Pistarini (EZE) w/ 5 others) http://t.co/VkCNjY3F
- I just reached Level 7 of the "Jetsetter" badge on @foursquare. I’ve checked in at 30 different airports! http://t.co/BDECoBff
- This rocked --> @davemcclure: cool #GOAP visit to GE water plant Sao Paulo (reverse osmosis FTW!) met Brazil CMO Marcos Leal. thx @analabreu
- @LeoAlmighty miss you on the trip, still time to fly down though. Gonna meet up with @davetroy tomorrow. #GoaP
- Enjoyed presenting at @BRinnovators w/ @kellan and @chingmei. Thank you to @bedy @davemcclure for the opportunity. cc @500 #GOAP #BRnewTech
- "Graduating from @Georgetown, this degree can take me so many places and it can open so many paths for me after basketball." @unclejeffgreen
- Big ups to @unclejeffgreen for coming back and graduating from @Georgetown, he's such a terrific, humble young man -- http://t.co/9LcyucaF
- I find it interesting that the @Mozilla #DoNotTrack event for #IWNY requires RSVP -- https://t.co/TCCK43KF
- #amListenTo Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) - Jay-Z "... #swfd is where dreams are made of, there's .." http://t.co/V9Whtux8
- Terrific pitch by the @getshuriken team, congratulations to @ruycer @vborja @ememorato @wesos1337 @oscarvlqz #swdf
- ... the finals; 12 teams enter, how many will survive -- Startup Weekend ... (at Centro de Diseño, Cine y Televisión) — http://t.co/beQtQcGB
- ... amazing. #goap (with dave at Pirámide de la Luna) [pic] — http://t.co/D5IwztXL
- As a #productofasinglemom I urge you to read this wonderful piece by @gaylelemmon: In praise of single mothers -- http://t.co/SnXpqjIs
-
Photos
-
Checkins
- NXTP.LabsMalabia 1720 1º
- MercadoLibre HQArias 3751, 7°
- Tryp HotelSan Martin 474
- Aeropuerto Internacional de Ezeiza - Ministro Pistarini (EZE)AU Tte. Gral. Pablo Ricchieri km. 33,5
- Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo / Guarulhos (GRU)Rod. Hélio Smidt, S/N
- Centro de Diseño, Cine y TelevisiónSierra Mojada 415
- Pirámide de la LunaPirámides
- Centro de Diseño, Cine y TelevisiónSierra Mojada 415
- Museo Mexicano Del DiseñoAv. Francisco I. Madero 74
- Museo Mexicano Del DiseñoAv. Francisco I. Madero 74
- Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (MEX)Capitán Carlos León S/N
- Miami International Airport (MIA)2100 NW 42nd Ave.
- Novecento - Brickell1414 Brickell Ave
- Miami International Airport (MIA)2100 NW 42nd Ave.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)1 Aviation Cir
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)1 Aviation Cir
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd
-
Stamps
-
Recent Tracks
- Born This Way by Lady Gaga
- Firework by Katy Perry
- Price Tag by Jessie J
- Mean by Taylor Swift
- All of the Lights by Kanye West
- Who Says by Selena Gomez & the Scene
- For The First Time by The Script
- Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall by Coldplay
- F**kin' Perfect by P!nk
- Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
Kanye WestJay-ZUsherKelly ClarksonMadonnaJazmine SullivanLeona LewisBlack Eyed PeasAlicia KeysTaylor SwiftThe PackOutKastAnthony HamiltonMary J. BligeElvis PresleyFoo FightersGnarls BarkleyTalib KweliLady GagaNasA Tribe Called QuestLupe FiascoThe Notorious B.I.G.Joss StoneBritney SpearsMariah CareyJewelRobin ThickeThe KnuxMario WinansNellyFlobotsMichael JacksonToni BraxtonSaul WilliamsJustin TimberlakeNe-YoBob Marley & The WailersPaolo NutiniMissy ElliottKelisN*E*R*DJavierHootie & The BlowfishAyọShakiraMaroon 5The GameNorah JonesJohn Mayer- 78 plays
- 63 plays
- 62 plays
- 54 plays
- 53 plays
- 53 plays
- 53 plays
- 52 plays
- 41 plays
- 41 plays
- 39 plays
- 39 plays
- 39 plays
- 38 plays
- 38 plays
- 37 plays
- 36 plays
- 36 plays
- 35 plays
- Big Pimpin' by Jay-Z33 plays
- 33 plays
- 32 plays
- 32 plays
- 32 plays
- 32 plays
- 31 plays
- 31 plays
- 31 plays
- 31 plays
- 31 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 30 plays
- 29 plays
- 29 plays
-
Posts
- Jun 24, 10
(me and my shoes and her)THE ME & MY SHOES MANIFESTO (by Lance)
THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
The rules for this little social media extravaganza is that when you post your photo you...- Title it "Me & My Shoes"
- Post a link to this page in the comments of the photo
- Leave a comment below this note with a link back to your photo
- Share this note with one or more friends who are wildly excited about shoes
YOUR TURN!
- Jul 18, 09
Peter Gabriel leads industry call for ban of music torture in US interrogation policy.
"We are, of course, against all forms of torture, but as musicians we are particularly concerned about the misuse of music ...."
zero dB is an online 'silent petition' aimed to stop music torture by encouraging widespread condemnation of the practice.
- Jul 18, 09
Highlights the subtlety of cultural norms. From EastSouthWestNorth blog:
Cadbury is an established brand of chocolate. Recently, it produced the Eyebrows television ads in order to create a new image and stimulate sales. The ad is simple enough -- there is no dialogue, just a couple of children who move their eyebrows to the electronic music. This ad has won many advertising awards overseas.
When the Cadbury eyebrows ad began showing in Hong Kong this month, at least 20 citizens filed complaints to the Television and Entertainment Authority in Hong Kong. The reason is that the ad may lead children into moving their eyebrows around in violation of proper manners. One complainant is a Hong Kong University masters student who said that the ad made people uneasy and the advertising agency should never have hired children as performers.
TVB also confirmed that they received three telephone complaints. TVB emphasized that all ads are screened by its internal review committee before airing in order to satisfy the relevant regulations.
I spoke to a housewife who said that this ad teaches improper things to children, at which point her son began to move his eyebrows around just like in the ad. Some netizens even felt more strongly: "I have no idea what this ad wants to achieve!" "I really don't like this ad!" There were even demands that the ad be pulled off the air; but there were also others who praised the ad for being funny, satisfying, attractive and creative.
- Jul 11, 09"Let me tell you the story of "Right Hand, Left Hand." It's a tale of good and evil. Hate: It was with this hand that Cane iced his brother. Love: These five fingers, they go straight to the soul of man. The right hand: the hand of love. The story of life is this: Static. One hand is always fighting the other hand; and the left hand is kicking much ass. I mean, it looks like the right hand, Love, is finished. But, hold on, stop the presses, the right hand is coming back. Yeah, he got the left hand on the ropes, now, that's right. Ooh, it's the devastating right and Hate is hurt, he's down. Left-Hand Hate K.O.ed by Love."~ Radio RaheemThe view: 20 Years On, You Can Still Do the Right ThingIt's one of those moments that seem calculated by the gods purely to make you feel decrepit. I'm talking about the 20th anniversary of the week that one of the finest films of the 1980s – in fact, of all time – snuck under the wire and made it into the last weary months of that addled decade. That movie, released into exactly the same kind of torrid mid-summer it portrayed, was Do the Right Thing: Spike Lee's genius account of a single day on one sweltering Brooklyn street in the run-up to a race riot; the whole thing a glorious, adrenal 120-minute cluster bomb of ideas and provocations.
- Jul 10, 09
TIME.com managing editor Josh Tyrangiel offers aspiring multimedia journalists advice on how to best tell a news story across the various Internet platforms.
- Jul 07, 09
Beloveds, now we know that we know nothing, now that our bright and shining star can slip away from our fingertips like a puff of summer wind.
Without notice, our dear love can escape our doting embrace. Sing our songs among the stars and walk our dances across the face of the moon.
In the instant that Michael is gone, we know nothing. No clocks can tell time. No oceans can rush our tides with the abrupt absence of our treasure.
Though we are many, each of us is achingly alone, piercingly alone.
Only when we confess our confusion can we remember that he was a gift to us and we did have him.
He came to us from the creator, trailing creativity in abundance.
Despite the anguish, his life was sheathed in mother love, family love, and survived and did more than that.
He thrived with passion and compassion, humor and style. We had him whether we know who he was or did not know, he was ours and we were his.
We had him, beautiful, delighting our eyes.
His hat, aslant over his brow, and took a pose on his toes for all of us.
And we laughed and stomped our feet for him.
We were enchanted with his passion because he held nothing. He gave us all he had been given.
Today in Tokyo, beneath the Eiffel Tower, in Ghana's Black Star Square.
In Johannesburg and Pittsburgh, in Birmingham, Alabama, and Birmingham, England
We are missing Michael.
But we do know we had him, and we are the world.
