What we do

Connect local publishers with cutting-edge technology for their web and mobile strategies

Since most news organizations don’t have the luxury of an R&D department or a digital innovation laboratory, they could use some ammunition for the fierce battle they find themselves in during this digital revolution.

And hyperlocal, independent news sites have even less chance at R&D. But innovation is still critical.

Who We Are

Serra Media is based in Seattle and was founded in 2007 to serve as a digital innovation platform for local online publishers. Company founders have experience building award-winning interactive projects for news sites, developing leading-edge technology for the world’s largest software company and working with the top advertising agencies on rich media campaigns.

History

Glenn Thomas and Mark Briggs began collaborating on interactive digital projects in 2001. Glenn co-founded Smashing Ideas, a company that works with MTV, Disney, Nickelodeon and other entertainment powers. Smashing Ideas worked with The Everett Herald when Mark was running that newspaper’s web site and developed a clickable Flash map that won national awards for news innovation. Glenn and Mark also conceived and executed a joint venture of The Herald, The News Tribune and KIRO-TV called Fix Your Commute in 2003 (that also won a national award).

Mark, who was named as one of Presstime magazine’s “20 under 40” in 2007, began managing online news operations in 2000 and projects he has led have won regional and national awards for innovation and interactivity. He served as assistant managing editor for interactive news at the The News Tribune in Tacoma, Wash. from 2004-2008 and new media director at The Herald in Everett, Wash. from 2000-2004.