# Tristan Werkmeister

> Audience-focused video journalist and social video strategist based in London. Currently Senior Producer, Global Digital Video at CNN. Available for lectures, workshops, keynotes, panel moderation, and consulting engagements worldwide.

## Summary

Rethinking how rigorous journalism reaches people on TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram. At CNN, contributes to the network's digital video strategy across Asia and EMEA, commissioning and reviewing coverage for its social platforms. Previously led vertical-video strategy and drove major audience growth at Reuters, and builds AI-assisted tools that strengthen reporting and workflows. Blends platform-native storytelling, data-informed editorial judgment and cross-newsroom collaboration to make high-quality journalism accessible to global audiences.

## Specialisation

Social media video storytelling — creating scroll-stopping vertical and horizontal video for news distribution on social platforms. Expert in adapting broadcast-quality journalism for social-first audiences across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and X.

## Expertise

- Social video production and editing for news organisations
- AI-assisted news production and newsroom automation
- Vertical video and mobile-first storytelling
- OSINT (open-source intelligence) and digital verification
- Fact-checking and misinformation debunking
- Audience development and social media growth strategy
- Platform strategy (TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, LinkedIn)
- Data-led commissioning and iterative optimisation

## Career

- **CNN** — Senior Producer, Global Digital Video, London (since Jul 2026). Contributes to digital video strategy across Asia and EMEA; commissions and reviews coverage for CNN's social platforms.
- **Reuters** — Social Media Video Reporter, London (Jan 2025–Jul 2026). Increased TikTok following 6× in 12 months. Scaled vertical-video output from 3 to 20 daily edits. Built AI chatbots for script/caption/hashtag workflows.
- **PinkNews** — International Senior Producer, London (Jan–Dec 2024). Led editorial strategy for French, German and Spanish markets. Increased views by 112% in 8 months.
- **Associated Press** — Video Journalist & Producer, London (Jun 2021–Jan 2024). Produced 7-minute features across Europe. Led technology and climate coverage.
- **France 24** — Fact-Checking Video Journalist, Paris (Jan–May 2021). Produced weekly fact-checking packages debunking misinformation.
- **France Info TV** — Fact-Checking Video Journalist, Paris (Aug 2020–Jan 2021). Produced fact-checking segments and investigative video packages.

## Teaching

Guest Lecturer since October 2024. Teaches social media storytelling, platform strategy and OSINT at:
- London School of Economics (LSE)
- City St George's, University of London
- University of Central Lancashire
- Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, CUNY
- University of Oregon
- University of Southern California
- Université de Montréal

## Speaking

- 1 Billion Followers Summit, Dubai (Jan 2026)
- Content London (Dec 2025)
- Media Strong, London (Jul 2025)

## Portfolio

158 video stories, 100+ articles, 3 radio pieces across CNN, Reuters, AP, France 24, France Info, PinkNews, and RFI. Work spans social video, news packages, features, live segments, investigations, and fact-checks in English and French.

## AI Products

Creator of ScriptWizard — an AI-powered scriptwriting assistant for video journalists.
Built internal Reuters tools: IG/FB/TikTok Stories automation app, AI chatbots for caption/hashtag/script workflows.

## Languages

French (fluent), English (fluent), Spanish (basics), Caribbean Creole (basics)

## Technical Skills

- OSINT: geolocation, chronolocation, metadata analysis, social media scraping
- Coding: Python, HTML, CSS; AI-assisted prompt-based app prototyping
- Video editing: Adobe Suite, Final Cut Pro, Dalet
- Filming: Panasonic, Sony (Z-280/A7IV), DJI drones

## Education

- PGCert in Journalism Innovation and Leadership, University of Lancashire (in progress)
- M.A. in Journalism and International Affairs, Sciences Po, Paris (first year)
- Exchange Journalism Programme, The Ohio State University
- B.A. in International Law and Sociology, Sciences Po, Reims

## Certifications

- Project Management, Chartered Management Institute (Dec 2023)
- Generative AI Tools in Newsrooms, Knight Center for Journalism (Oct 2023)
- Advanced Digital Investigations, Knight Center for Journalism (Oct 2023)
- AI in Journalism, JournalismAI / Polis LSE (Jul 2023)

## Volunteer

- Mentor, Just Like Us (since 2025)
- Senior Fellow, John Schofield Trust (since 2022)

## Available For

- Guest lectures on social video storytelling, AI in newsrooms, and digital journalism
- Workshops for newsroom professionals on vertical video, OSINT, and fact-checking
- Conference keynotes on social media strategy for news organisations
- Panel moderation at journalism and media industry events
- Consulting on social video strategy, audience development, and newsroom AI adoption

Contact: https://tristanwerkmeister.com/#contact

## Links

- Website: https://tristanwerkmeister.com
- Website (French): https://tristanwerkmeister.com/fr/
- Work portfolio: https://tristanwerkmeister.com/work
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tristanwerkmeister
- ScriptWizard: https://tristanwerkmeister.com/scriptwizard
- TW Media (consultancy): https://tristanwerkmeister.com/tw-media