Kara Swisher

Kara Anne Swisher: A Tech Journalist’s Journey

Who is Kara Anne Swisher, and why should we care about her? Well, if you’re interested in the tech world and its business side, she’s a name that comes up time and again. Since 1994, Kara has been covering the internet’s business landscape with an unflinching eye, making her one of the most respected voices in tech journalism.

Early Life and Education

Where did this journey begin? Born on December 11, 1962, Kara Anne Swisher’s early life was marked by a move to Princeton, New Jersey, after her father’s untimely death. This move set the stage for her future academic and professional endeavors.

Swisher studied propaganda at Georgetown University before graduating with a BS in literature and journalism in 1984. She later earned an MS in journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1985, laying down the foundation for her career as a tech journalist.

The Rise to Prominence

How did Kara Swisher make her mark? In 1997, she joined The Wall Street Journal and created the column ‘Boom Town,’ which delved into Silicon Valley companies and culture. This was just the beginning of a career that would see her co-found Recode in 2014 with Walt Mossberg.

In 2003, Swisher launched the All Things Digital conference, cementing her status as a key player in tech journalism. Her books, ‘How Steve Case Beat Bill Gates’ and ‘There Must Be a Pony in Here Somewhere,’ further solidified her reputation as an insightful observer of the tech industry.

Podcasting and Beyond

What about Kara’s podcasting career? In 2014, Swisher and Mossberg launched Recode with a bang. They held the inaugural Code Conference near Los Angeles in the spring of that year. Vox Media acquired the website in May 2015, and they launched Recode Decode, a weekly podcast where Kara interviews tech luminaries like Stewart Butterfield.

In September 2018, Recode and Vox Media launched Pivot, a semi-weekly news commentary podcast co-hosted by Swisher and Scott Galloway. When New York Magazine announced that Pivot would be joining the magazine’s properties in April 2020, Kara also joined as editor-at-large.

Writing for The New York Times

What did Kara bring to The New York Times? From August 2018 to June 2022, Swisher was a contributing writer in the Opinion section of The New York Times, focusing on tech. She wrote about Elon Musk, Kevin Systrom’s departure from Instagram, Google and censorship, and an internet Bill of Rights.

In September 2018, she also premiered ‘Sway,’ a semi-weekly podcast focused on power and those who wield it. Her work at The New York Times was a significant chapter in her career, but she left to pursue new projects with the magazine in September 2022.

Personal Life

How does Kara’s personal life intersect with her professional achievements? Swisher married engineer Megan Smith in 1999 and adopted two sons. She separated from Smith in 2014, divorced in 2017, and then married Amanda Katz in 2020. Her personal journey is as fascinating as her professional one.

In 2011, she suffered a ‘mini-stroke’ while on a flight to Hong Kong, which has since influenced how she perceives the world around her. She’s known for wearing dark aviator sunglasses due to light sensitivity and identifies as agnostic.

Awards and Recognition

What accolades has Kara Swisher received? In 2011, she was awarded the Gerald Loeb Award for Blogging. This recognition underscores her impact on tech journalism and her ability to provide insightful commentary on the industry.

Conclusion: Kara Anne Swisher’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in journalism. From her early days at The Wall Street Journal to her current role as editor-at-large at New York Magazine, she has consistently provided insightful commentary on the tech industry. Her work continues to shape our understanding of technology’s impact on society.