Ross Settles, independent researcher and investor, is a longtime observer of changing media economics, especially the impact of technology on digital media business models.

Over the past decade Settles has worked with multiple media outlets to develop sustainable business models in Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bangladesh and Myanmar, as well as in Europe and North America. Settles recent research has focused on understanding the broader economic environment that may support or undermine the viability of independent media. As adjunct professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Journalism and Media Studies Centre, Settles focused on the unique technology, economic and regulatory environment facing journalists and content creators in Asia. Settles’ teaching at the University of Hong Kong provided students with tools and techniques to adapt news values to emerging Asian distribution platforms and to develop media business skills to understand the unique impact of business models, distribution platforms on all types of public expression.

Settles was a 2022-2023 faculty associate at Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society where he researched the impact of Web3 technology on Asia’s media ecosystem and economy. Based in Taiwan and Northern California, Settles is a frequent guest speaker and trainer for media development projects globally.

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