Auditing Science and Technology Reporting: A Study of Kara Swisher
By Akinteye Ayodunni Oyinkansola
As a student of Mass Communication auditing the course Science and Technology Reporting, I was tasked with identifying and studying a journalist who consistently reports on science and technology. For this assignment, I chose Kara Swisher, a prominent technology journalist known for her sharp reporting, interviews, and commentary on Silicon Valley and the digital economy.
Who Is Kara Swisher?
Kara Swisher is an American journalist, author, and podcast host who has spent decades covering the technology industry. She is widely respected for her deep understanding of how technology intersects with business, politics, and society. Unlike many tech reporters who focus only on product launches and innovations, Swisher examines the power structures behind technology—from Big Tech corporations to tech billionaires.
She has written for major publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. She is also a co-founder of Recode, a technology news website known for analytical and investigative reporting.
Her Style of Science and Technology Reporting
What makes Kara Swisher stand out as a science and technology reporter is her critical and interrogative approach. She does not simply report what technology companies claim to be doing; instead, she questions their motives, ethical responsibilities, and social impact.
Her reporting style includes:
- Clear and accessible language for non-technical audiences
- Strong emphasis on accountability and ethics
- Willingness to challenge powerful tech leaders
- A mix of investigative journalism and opinionated analysis
This style aligns closely with what we learn in science and technology reporting: translating complex technological issues into stories the public can understand, while also highlighting risks, benefits, and consequences.
Major Works and Contributions
Kara Swisher is also known for her podcasts, particularly “Pivot” (co-hosted with Scott Galloway) and “On with Kara Swisher.” Through these platforms, she interviews CEOs, scientists, innovators, and policymakers, asking tough questions about artificial intelligence, social media, data privacy, and the future of technology.
She has authored books that examine the rise of major tech companies and the personalities behind them, contributing to public discourse on how technology shapes modern life.
Why She Matters to Science and Technology Reporting
In an era where technology rapidly influences health, communication, education, and democracy, journalists like Kara Swisher play a crucial role. She demonstrates that science and technology reporting is not just about innovation—it is about impact, responsibility, and public interest.
As a mass communication student, studying her work has helped me understand that effective science and technology reporting requires:
- Strong research skills
- Ethical awareness
- The courage to question authority
- The ability to connect science and technology to everyday human experiences
Conclusion
Auditing the course Science and Technology Reporting has shown me that journalists like Kara Swisher are essential in bridging the gap between complex technological systems and the general public. Her work serves as a valuable model for aspiring media professionals who want to report on science and technology with depth, clarity, and integrity.
