Tom Merritt
Tom Merritt is an Executive Editor for CNET.com and the developer and co-host of CNET networks' daily podcast Buzz Out Loud along with Molly Wood and Veronica Belmont. He is known as "The Segue King" for his renowned ability to craft clever transitions between news stories. He is also the author of CNET's "The Real Deal", a regular column dealing with consumer technology.
Merritt's education includes a BS in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduate work in communications at the University of Texas at Austin. Tom first started in radio in 1986 as a DJ for WGEL, a country music station located in Greenville, Illinois. After a few more jobs in radio and reporting, Tom served in 1993 as an intern for National Public Radio's "Morning Edition." From 1993 to 1999 he lived in Austin, Texas and completed a number of freelance projects. He wrote and acted in a theatrical play called "Attack of the Mindless Alien Hosts from Outer Space" and wrote two e-published novels. Tom also performed Frank Sinatra songs on-stage with musician Jennifer Cook. From 1999 to 2004 Tom worked for TechTV in San Francisco as an Executive Web Producer. He also served as a radio host with TechTV until 2003. Tom Merritt started his current job with CNET in 2004. He has a website that includes his full professional experience. Tom also has a podcast with Roger Chang called East Meets West, which deal with various issues such as technology, sports, and politics.
In February 2006, Merritt appeared on This Week In Tech as a guest host.
Merritt is married to Eileen Rivera, they live in the Bay Area with their dog Jango. He has also recently stated that he likes bacon.