Why Didn't a Tech Journalist Break PRISM?

#sxsw #techmedia

The tech story of 2013 – the PRISM revelations and their fallout – wasn't broken by technology journalists. Why was that? Are most tech reporters too wrapped up in simple tasks like rewriting press releases about new apps and reviewing the latest hit smartphone to bother investigating real scandals?

Do the economics of modern media mean that tech reporting has become far too light and frothy? We talk to a panel of journalists to find out.

Recode's Kara Swisher has been reporting on technology since 1997 and has seen the way the Web has transformed journalism and Alexia Tsotsis is a 'digital native' journalist making waves at TechCrunch.

Together with The Next Web's Martin Bryant as moderator, they'll explore whether today's tech journalism could do with a serious injection of depth.

Presenters

Alexia Tsotsis

Co-Editor

TechCrunch

Jemima Kiss

Head of Technology

Guardian News And Media

Kara Swisher

Co-Exec Editor

All Things Digital

Kara Swisher started covering digital issues for The Wall Street Journal’s San Francisco bureau in 1997. Her column BoomTown originally appeared on the front page of the Marketplace section and also online at WSJ.com.
Previously, Ms. Swisher covered breaking news about the Web’s major players and Internet policy issues and also wrote feature articles on technology for the paper. She has also written a weekly column for the Personal Journal on home gadget issues called Home Economics.
With Walt Mossberg, she currently co-produces and co-hosts D: All Things Digital, a major high-tech conference with interviewees such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and many other leading players in the tech and media industries. The gathering is considered one of the leading conferences focused on the convergence of tech and media industries.

Martin Bryant

Editor-in-Chief

The Next Web

With a particular interest in European startups, apps and the constant evolution of digital media, Martin Bryant is Managing Editor at The Next Web.

He has contributed comment and analysis on technology news to TV and radio shows such as BBC Breakfast (BBC One), You & Yours (BBC Radio 4), Newshour (BBC World Service) and Good Morning Wales (BBC Radio Wales), plus The Independent and the Channel 4 News website.

Based in Manchester, UK he co-founded the city's Social Media Cafe events that helped kickstart a lively cross-discipline digital community in the city. More recently, he has become part of the founding team behind TechHub Manchester. He is also a member of Manchester Digital's council.

A Broadcasting graduate, he is well-versed in the British media industry and moved into the online media industry after having worked in education, helping children learn TV and radio skills.