Kara Swisher Shows Tech Journalism’s Flaws w/ Edward Ongweso Jr.
Apr 11, 2024
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Edward Ongweso Jr., finance editor at Logics Magazine, joins to critique tech journalist Kara Swisher's industry narratives and flaws in access journalism. They discuss Swisher's rebranding attempts, NFT promotion, and biases in tech reporting. The podcast delves into the power dynamics in tech journalism, challenges of critiquing tech giants, and the importance of transparency in industry relationships.
Swisher's attempt to rebrand as a critical journalist is scrutinized for lack of genuine critique.
Swisher's cozy relationships with tech execs raise conflict of interest concerns in reporting.
Swisher's 'prick to productivity ratio' approach compromises journalistic integrity and accountability towards tech leaders.
Deep dives
Cara Swisher's Revisionist Narrative in Tech Media
Cara Swisher's new memoir 'Burn Book' tries to redefine her history in tech media as a critical figure, but critics like Ed Amwezo Jr argue that she has not been genuine about her role. Swisher's attempt to portray herself as always critical of the tech industry is refuted by a closer examination of her work and interactions with tech executives over the years. The book highlights the importance of accurately understanding the history and role of journalists like Swisher in shaping the narrative around Silicon Valley.
Swisher's Relationship with Tech Executives and Influence on Narratives
Cara Swisher's close relationships with tech executives, including hosting events with figures like Sam Altman, reveal a dynamic where industry leaders can shape narratives through their interactions with journalists. The book shows how Swisher's access to these powerful figures influences her reporting and how she presents their perspectives, often without critical scrutiny. This highlights the potential conflict of interest that arises when journalists maintain overly cozy relationships with the subjects they cover.
Swisher's Pragmatic Attitude towards Productivity and Tech CEOs
Cara Swisher's 'prick to productivity ratio' approach, where she overlooks flaws in tech CEOs as long as they are productive, raises questions about journalistic objectivity and criticism. Her willingness to give 'flawed people' a pass if they are changing the world underscores a deeper issue of journalists prioritizing access and productivity over holding tech leaders accountable for their actions. This pragmatic attitude towards powerful figures in the tech industry can compromise the integrity of journalism and the public's understanding of tech's societal impacts.
The Challenge of Access Journalism and the Influence of Sources
The podcast episode delves into the complexities of access journalism and the sway that tech executives hold over journalists like Cara Swisher. The book reveals Swisher's reliance on executive narratives and her willingness to amplify their perspectives without rigorous scrutiny. This raises concerns about the broader journalistic landscape where cozy relationships with industry insiders can shape narratives and diminish critical analysis. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic independence and integrity when covering powerful tech figures to ensure a balanced and transparent representation of the industry.
Critique of Tech Journalism and Swisher's Approach
The podcast delves into the shortcomings of tech journalism, particularly critiquing Cariswisher's approach and her portrayal in the industry. It highlights the disparity between her self-proclaimed critical stance and the actual depth of her analyses, focusing on personalities over systemic issues. The discussion exposes how figures like Swisher benefit from maintaining a veneer of tough questioning while indulging in superficial coverage, enabling tech giants to evade genuine scrutiny.
Impact of Executives' PR Strategies on Tech Reporting
Another key point revolves around the strategic interaction between tech executives and journalists like Swisher to manage their public image. The conversation explores how high-profile figures strategically engage with media personalities to shape narratives and mitigate critical scrutiny. It underscores the symbiotic relationship between tech leaders and journalists, wherein access and narratives often prioritize optics over substantive interrogation.
Paris Marx is joined by Edward Ongweso Jr. to discuss Kara Swisher’s attempt to rebrand herself as the most feared journalist in Silicon Valley, how she spent her career forwarding the industry’s narratives, and the larger problems with access journalism.
Edward Ongweso Jr. is finance editor at Logics Magazine and co-host of This Machine Kills.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
In 2021, Kara told CNBC that just because NFTs are digital “doesn’t mean it’s not of value.” The following year she also defended promoting investments in crypto for retirement.