Team profile: Theo Schwinke, Head of Communications
Theo comes to Sourcefabric with more than a decade of experience in journalism, marketing and communications. He has produced travel guides, film reviews, media monitoring for the European Commission, and ads for dog food. As Sourcefabric's new Head of Communications, he picks up a new gauntlet.
Just what does a Head of Communications do?
I'm here just to help figure out what messages need to reach what people — whether they're potential users of Sourcefabric software and services, the press, employees or members of our development community. So, for example, I'm looking at how to support our clients and users through social media. I'm trying to help grow a community of journalists and developers in Prague, where I'm based. But through all of that, my job is to do everything thing I can to help the very, very smart people around me — and believe me, I'm the dullest knife in this drawer.
Tell us a little about your journalism experience?
Growing up, my heroes were always journalists. Peter Parker, Lou Grant, Mike Connor, Tintin. I started my first newspaper when I was in grade school, worked for the student newspaper and radio station in college. Here in Prague I worked for the Prague Post before helping start the Prague Daily Monitor. But I got restless after a few years behind the desk and went back to reporting, covering Eastern European film for Screen International.
But then you left journalism for advertising. Why did you go to the dark side?
For education. I knew I wanted to advocate for something I believed in, but I first needed to learn more about the business of pushing messages. I had helped the Czech Film Commission with their communications, but I wanted a look inside the big league. So I spent a few years in a very big, very corporate ad agency. I came away with a Clio and a new appreciation for the work that goes into creating a successful brand.
How did you become interested in Sourcefabric?
I've known Doug (Arellanes, Director of Innovation) for years. We worked together on a press review for Monitor (I was actually his boss, so I hope he has fond memories of that project). Doug was the first person to help me understand the benefits of open source. So when he told me the team was looking for a new head of comms, I jumped at the chance — it's not everyday you get to work for the good guys.
What are your goals for Sourcefabric?
To save the world. I'm only partly joking. I absolutely agree with what Thomas Jefferson said: The only security of all is in a free press. And I think the security of the free press is in open source. This is what I want everyone to understand about Sourcefabric — that we are about preserving and promoting freedom of the press, be it a radio in the Caucasus or a newspaper in Missouri.