Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist and the founder and publisher of TheDesk.net, an independent news publication covering the business of broadcast television and radio, streaming, connected TV, advertising and media policy. He has worked in journalism and digital news since 2008.
Experience
Keys has worked inside the industries he now covers. His career includes:
- Solano Media LLC (2022–present): Founder and owner of the Northern California digital publisher behind TheDesk.net and Solano NewsNet, a local news outlet covering Solano County.
- Digital Content Next (2022–present): Editorial contributor, focusing on broadcast media and streaming services and platforms.
- Fierce Video / StreamTV Insider (2021–2024): Editorial contributor covering technology, media and telecom for broadcast, cable and streaming professionals.
- Radio Ink (2022–2023): Contributing writer.
- KnowTechie (2023–2024): Contributing writer.
- Comstock’s magazine (2019–2020): Digital editor, overseeing the magazine’s website, audio, video and social platforms, media partnerships, and compliance with advertising and consumer privacy regulations.
- McNaughton Newspapers (2018–2019): Reporter for the Winters Express, working alongside the Davis Enterprise and the Fairfield-Suisun Daily Republic, covering civic affairs and breaking news in Yolo and Solano counties.
- Grasswire (2015): Managing editor for North America, leading a network of volunteer reporters and fact-checkers.
- Thomson Reuters (2012–2013): Deputy social media editor in New York.
- KGO-TV, San Francisco (2011): Online news producer for the ABC-owned station.
- KTXL FOX40, Sacramento (2008–2010): Online news producer, later interactive and mobile director.
- CBS Radio (2007): Promotions, KZZO-FM, Sacramento. (Internship)
Expertise
Keys covers broadcast station groups, local TV and radio, streaming and connected TV platforms, ratings, advertising, and FCC and media policy. He also does his own data analysis and web and app development, giving him a working knowledge of the technology that drives modern media distribution.
Recognition
- Eight California Journalism Awards (2019–2020), including first place for General Excellence (Digital) and third place for Investigative Reporting, plus awards for breaking news and feature writing.
- Online Journalism Award finalist, breaking news (2011).
- Named to TIME’s list of 140 Best Twitter Accounts (2012).
His reporting has been cited or featured by The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, NPR, ABC World News, CBS News, MSNBC, Al Jazeera and BBC Radio London. He has been profiled by TIME, the Associated Press, Poynter, MediaBistro and Journalism.co.uk.
Ownership and transparency
TheDesk.net is part of Solano Media, LLC, which Keys owns. The publication is independent and supported by advertising. Its editorial standards are published at thedesk.net/about-us/editorial-standards/.
Contact
Story tips and pitches: Click or tap here
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thematthewkeys
Portfolio: matthewkeys.net
