RNC's New New Media Guy a Web Video Guru

The new head of new media for the Republican National Committee knows Web video. Todd Herman, the RNC’s just-named New Media Director was with Microsoft till 2007; there he served as GM media strategy and monetization for MSN. According to an RNC press release, he “wrote the initial strategy and business plan for [the] MSN Video Product Unit.”

I’m sure what observers will be wondering now is can this guy operate in the world of politics? And, what exactly does the head of new media at the RNC do anyway? Is it the same role as Cyrus Krohn, the RNC’s former cyber strategist, held until recently

Maybe Herman’s outside-the-beltway roots will be seen as a plus among people who liked Krohn for the fact that he was more a tech guy than a mere party guy. But don’t think he’s apolitical. Apparently he was a radio talk show host in his younger years and his show assisted in toppling House Speaker Thomas Foley ’94.

If anything, the move seems to indicate RNC Chairman Michael Steele is dedicated to pushing the RNC toward a digital-centric future.

“Todd brings the kind of outside of the beltway, real-world experience to Washington D.C. and to our party that we need as we reclaim the lead in the use of digital media to communicate with America,” noted Steele in the release.

According to the press release he is a “Christian, husband and father.”