In an era where technology is reshaping our daily lives, The Times and Sunday Times are stepping up their game by launching a new weekly podcast, The Tech Podcast. Premiering on Friday, October 4, this exciting venture promises to keep listeners informed about the latest innovations and trends in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Meet the Hosts: Experts at the Helm
Danny Fortson and Katie Prescott are the dynamic duo leading the charge on this podcast. Both are highly regarded tech journalists with extensive experience and expertise that span the Atlantic.
Danny Fortson: Insights from Silicon Valley
- Current Role: US West Coast correspondent for The Sunday Times since 2017.
- Previous Experience: Host of the acclaimed podcast, Danny in the Valley.
- Expertise: Deep insights into tech giants and disruptive startups, thanks to his vast connections within Silicon Valley.
Danny expresses his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, “Tech is reshaping every corner of our lives, from the way we work to how we communicate, live and connect.” He emphasizes the goal of the podcast: to provide a unique glimpse behind the scenes with interviews from the most innovative entrepreneurs and executives on both sides of the Atlantic.
Katie Prescott: A Global Perspective on Technology
- Current Role: Technology business editor at The Times and a weekly columnist.
- Previous Experience: Over a decade at the BBC, including as a business news presenter on Radio 4’s Today programme.
- Expertise: A deep understanding of how technology impacts various sectors, including business, media, and telecommunications.
Katie is equally excited about the collaboration, stating, “Technology is not just a Silicon Valley story – it’s a global one.” She looks forward to exploring how tech developments influence everyday lives, industries, and the global economy.
What to Expect from The Tech Podcast
The Tech Podcast promises a rich variety of content. Each episode will feature interviews with tech pioneers, including startup visionaries and industry leaders, offering listeners valuable insights into the innovations shaping our future.
Topics of Discussion
Listeners can anticipate a broad range of topics, such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Groundbreaking inventions
- Emerging technologies
- Industry transformations
- Societal impacts of technology
- Global economic changes
The podcast aims to create a dialogue around how these technologies are not just changing industries but also altering the very fabric of society.
A Balanced Perspective on Technology
Stephen Titherington, the editor of Times podcasts, commented on the invaluable expertise that Danny and Katie bring to the table. He said, “Danny and Katie bring an unbeatable blend of expertise and curiosity, tools you need to understand and explain tech.”
He acknowledged the duality in public perception of technology—fascination versus wariness—and expressed confidence in Danny and Katie’s ability to address both sides, making tech more accessible and understandable to their audience.
The Launch Episode: A Focus on AI
The inaugural episode is set to make waves as it features discussions from The Times Tech Summit in London. One of the highlights includes an interview with Sir Demis Hassabis, chief of DeepMind, who shares his views on the positive potential of AI. He forecasts that AI could achieve “general human cognitive abilities within ten years.”
Key Debates
In addition to Hassabis, Danny engages in a debate with notable experts:
- Professor Neil Lawrence (Cambridge University, Machine Learning)
- Marc Warner (CEO & Co-Founder of Faculty AI)
- Naila Murray (Director of AI Research at Meta)
They delve into fundamental questions about AI, challenging the audience to consider whether the current obsession with AI is more about financial gain than genuine understanding.
Conclusion: An Invitation to Tune In
With its global perspective and expert insights, The Tech Podcast from The Times and Sunday Times promises to be a compelling addition to the world of technology podcasts. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or someone simply curious about how technology is reshaping our world, this podcast is sure to provide valuable content that keeps you informed and engaged.
