As one of four founders of NY1, Time Warner's first 24-hour local news channel, Harlan co-developed the model that streamlined the news production process by drawing upon cutting edge technology. Following that successful venture, Time Warner appointed him their Vice President of Engineering & Technology for Time Warner Cable where he created and managed the launch of nine 24-hour local news channels in key markets across the country.
Striking out on his own, Harlan founded The Workflow & Technology Group where he developed and implemented multimedia production and distribution platforms for Bloomberg Multimedia, Reuters Multimedia, NBC Sports.Com, Verizon FiOS and SUNY Stony Brook School of Journalism.
Leveraging more than 25 years of experience in producing local news through creative, cost-effective solutions that utilize the latest in technology, Harlan has innovated once again by launching itsrelevant.com, your community news delivered on the web and mobile devices.
Jonathan brings a background in creative production and marketing for interactive and mobile media. Before developing the look, feel and functionality of itsrelevant.com, he founded an out-of-the-box entertainment program that created original content and interactive platforms attracting millions of online viewers.
He has long been recognized as an innovator in the digital space. Jonathan was called upon to produce segments for the Fuse TV network that reached 44 million homes, by Apple to be one of the first 300 iPhone applications featured on apple.com, by YouTube/Google to be one of YouTube's first content partners, and by Hulu to be one of their first independent content providers. His productions are seen regularly on TVGuide.com, IMDB.com, MSN.com, Dailymotion.com, Tivo, XBOX, Playstation and more.
Jonathan has also been tapped by trade publications including "Mix Magazine" for his expertise on optimizing concert video/audio for web delivery, and by Walmart during the creation of Walmart Soundcheck. His unique marketing plans have spurred partnerships with companies like Flip Video/Cisco in which Jonathan created buzz around products for audiences in the 16-24-year-old age group.
Ed brings to itsrelevant.com a unique combination of experience that blends a knowledge of academic pedagogy with online media production. A New York State-certified social studies teacher, Ed has worked in a variety of classroom settings where he has adapted curriculum to accommodate multiple learning styles and bridged traditional topics with contemporary technology and pop culture. He has honed his skills in video and audio production through a video production venture and live music venues where he has produced mobile audio recordings for surround sound with dozens of artists including Jason Mraz, Anna Nalick, and Teddy Geiger. Ed's work in streamlining audio production specifically for the web ecosystem has been featured in "Mix Magazine" and his productions can be heard online through iTunes and Hulu.
Jacquelyn Dunster comes to itsrelevant.com from a marketing research firm in Wilton, CT. While she was once analyzing ROI for advertisements, she is now managing advertisement sales. Dunster grew up in Stamford and attended Westhill High School and then UConn Storrs. While at UConn Dunster majored in Psychology and Marketing - giving her the ability to have a better understanding of consumer behavior. In her free time she coaches soccer through the Stamford Youth Soccer League, and she loves outdoor activities and relaxing with family and friends.
A recent graduate of Quinnipiac University, Ali Warshavsky joined the itsrelevant.com team in June. Warshavsky previously interned at WNPR, Hartford's National Public Radio Affiliate and has experience as a freelance associate producer for News 12.
A recent graduate from the University of Connecticut's school of journalism, Mike Peal has spent his entire life in southwest Connecticut. He worked at the university's television station and spent time following Connecticut athletes as an intern at WFSB-TV. His time in Connecticut has taught him what to expect on a day-to-day basis in the Nutmeg State, and he is eager to share local stories at itsrevelant.com -- stories no one usually gets to hear.
Christina Chiarelli comes to itsrelevant.com after recently graduating Southern Connecticut State University with a degree in journalism. She worked at the campus television and radio stations, and interned at WTNH-TV and WFSB-TV. She is thrilled to share stories with the community through words and pictures at itsrelevant.com. In her spare time, she enjoys playing guitar, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Annie Nirschel joined "Media Innovators," itsrelevant.com's high school-based journalism training program, at the Academy of Information Technology & Engineering as a sophomore. In the summer of that year, she joined the team at itsrelevant.com working as a paid, professional journalist for the site.