Described by The New York Times as "Silicon Alley's Philosopher-Prince," Omar Wasow's work as the Executive Director of BlackPlanet.com and the Internet Analyst for NBC has earned him a reputation as a leading commentator on the challenges and opportunities of new media and the new economy. Whether online or on-air, Wasow constantly works to demystify technology issues and provide an accessible window into the geek world he lives and loves. In that capacity Wasow tutored Oprah Winfrey in her first exploration of the Internet in the 12-part series Oprah Goes Online. Wasow's success as a credible and friendly guide to the Internet led Newsweek to name him one of the "fifty most influential people to watch in cyberspace," and People to call him the "Sexiest Internet Executive."

Wasow has also achieved remarkable success as an online entrepreneur. A perpetual pioneer, he founded the visionary cyberspace community, New York Online, in 1993 and guided the Internet presence of such illustrious clients as Consumer Reports, The New Yorker, Pfizer, Samsung and the Government of Martinique. His success in web design and new media applications helped to shatter early myths that the Internet was a financial dead end.

Wasow's keen insider's perspective, sharp wit and anecdotal style captivate audiences and reveal web-related marketing and business strategies that work. His stories of actual online successes and failures as well as the many ways the Internet is transforming our social, political and economic futures provide a compelling new vision for life online.

NOTE: Bio is as it appeared in the Forum program from December 1, 2005.