In this edition of Meet the Media, we are getting to know Taylor Soper. Taylor is the managing editor at GeekWire, where he plans coverage and edits news stories. With a passion for journalism and a love for all things tech, Taylor quickly became a trusted source for insightful analysis and in-depth coverage on developments within the tech world for the past 10 years. Based in Seattle, Taylor is a Portland native and a University of Washington graduate.
When did you first get interested in writing/journalism?
When I was in middle school, I read the newspaper every day. My goal was to get a letter to the editor published in the sports section. I sent in several letters, usually about my beloved Portland Trail Blazers. I finally got published and my passion for journalism only grew from there. I was a reporter and editor for my high school paper and then at The Daily, the University of Washington school newspaper.
There are so many choices where to get the news. How do you, as a managing editor and reporter, select what you cover to keep readers coming back and keep GeekWire a leader in breaking news, technology, and business?
We begin with the reader in mind. We ask ourselves what type of stories are going to have the most impact and the most value for our readers. Our motto is: “What happens here happens everywhere.” This means all eyes are on Seattle as a global hub for innovation and tech. People want to know what’s going on in this region, and we help deliver that news to readers in our backyard and around the world.
How did you and GeekWire pivot to stay successful during the pandemic?
We already did some work remotely before the pandemic, so making the switch to fully remote wasn’t a huge challenge. We made an effort to communicate more regularly to make sure everyone was on the same page. We also pivoted to run virtual events and looked for ways to make sure we were serving our community through our journalism.
What one skill is the most important to have for your job?
Good writing. Knowing how to effectively communicate, especially in this era of hybrid work, is super important.
What publications do you personally read?
The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal for national coverage. The Seattle Times and Crosscut locally. Tech-focused publications such as The Verge or The Information, and Techmeme for aggregated tech news. Newsletters from Axios and others.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
The people — business leaders I get to interview, the community of readers that we serve, and my colleagues.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The sheer quantity of news and conversations and data. It’s hard to keep up with it all.
What is the best way to contact you if someone wants to pitch you?
By contacting my email — taylor@geekwire.com.
Fill in the blank:
- If I am not working, I am… walking my dog
- If I could interview anyone, it would be… Barack Obama
- The last book I read was… Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
- My favorite sports team is… the Portland Trail Blazers
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