ryot

Ryot, also known as "Ryot.org", was a digital media company founded in 2012 by Mattathias Schwartz, Adam Neumann, and Miguel McKelvey. The company aimed to blend journalism with technology, focusing on creating immersive and interactive storytelling experiences. Ryot initially gained recognition for its virtual reality (VR) journalism, producing documentaries that placed viewers in the middle of significant global events and social issues.

The platform sought to engage younger audiences by utilizing emerging technologies and a more visually driven approach to news reporting. Their content often explored themes such as humanitarian crises, climate change, and social justice. Ryot partnered with various media outlets and organizations to distribute its content, expanding its reach beyond its own platform.

In 2017, Ryot was acquired by Oath Inc., a subsidiary of Verizon Communications, which aimed to integrate Ryot's VR and immersive content capabilities into its digital media portfolio. Following the acquisition, Ryot continued to operate as a distinct brand for a period, though its integration into larger corporate structures led to a shift in its operational focus and public visibility. The company's legacy lies in its early exploration of VR as a journalistic tool and its efforts to innovate in digital storytelling.