Kelsey Piper, a journalist for Vox’s Future Perfect, talks with Patrick McKenzie about equity irregularities at OpenAI and the social function of equity in tech. They discuss the frosty relationship between tech and media, editorial policies, media relations, and historical media practices in the modern tech industry.
Equity irregularities at OpenAI led to policy improvements, highlighting the importance of journalistic oversight in the tech industry.
The frosty relationship between tech and media has escalated due to shifting dynamics and lack of trust.
Concerns arise over corporate influence on media, impacting transparency and independence in news reporting.
Deep dives
Tech Industry and Media Relations
The relationship between the tech industry and the media has become increasingly strained over the years. The media's coverage of tech companies has shifted towards holding them more accountable, resulting in a more antagonistic dynamic. Perturbations such as the Cambridge Analytica scandal further amplified this tension, leading to a lack of trust and adversarial interactions.
Editorial Pressure on Tech Reporting
There have been reports of editorial pressure on tech reporting, particularly at institutions like The New York Times, where the focus shifted towards holding tech companies accountable rather than offering a balanced view. This editorial lens has had a significant impact on tech journalism, leading to concerns about fairness and objectivity in reporting.
Corporate Influence on Media Coverage
Instances of corporate influence on media coverage, as evidenced by responses from companies like OpenAI when faced with negative stories, reflect a changing landscape in media relations. The decline in constructive interactions and transparency between media outlets and tech companies has raised concerns about the integrity and independence of news reporting.
Building Vaccinate CA: A Shift to Full-Time Commitment
In early 2021, facing significant challenges in the vaccine distribution process in California, a group led by Patrick decided to launch Vaccinate CA. Originally a weekend project, it quickly garnered attention and traffic, necessitating a transition to full-time effort. Patrick took the lead, formalizing the organization's structure, securing funding, and planning for nationwide expansion. The project's success relied on a rapid switch to a professionalized approach, demonstrating the impact of motivated individuals dedicating themselves to a crucial cause.
Ethical Considerations and Transparency in Crisis Response
The endeavor to accelerate vaccine distribution highlighted ethical dilemmas and strategic transparency choices. Despite the immense impact of the project, traditional ethics education was deemed insufficient for navigating complex decision-making. The team's focus on maximizing societal benefit over PR gains underscored the importance of clear values and swift, ethical action. Balancing alliances with government entities and prioritizing effectiveness underscored the pragmatic approach taken amidst challenging circumstances, showcasing the intricate dynamics of crisis management in real-time.
Patrick McKenzie (patio11) is joined by Kelsey Piper, a journalist for Vox’s Future Perfect. Kelsey recently reported on equity irregularities at OpenAI in May of 2024, leading to an improvement of their policies in this area. We discuss the social function of equity in the technology industry, why the tech industry and reporters have had a frosty relationship the last several years, and more.
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