Nilay Patel: A Conversation with the Editor-in-Chief of The Verge

Question: Nilay, thanks for taking the time to talk to me today. I’m a big fan of The Verge, and I’ve been following your work for a long time.

Nilay: Thanks for having me.

Question: Let’s start with your background. How did you get into technology journalism?

Nilay: I started as a lawyer. I went to law school at the University of Wisconsin, and after I graduated, I worked as a corporate lawyer for a few years. But I always had a passion for technology and eventually switched to journalism. I started writing for Engadget in 2008 and co-founded The Verge in 2011.

Question: You’ve been at The Verge for a long time now. What are some things you’re most proud of about the site?

Nilay: I’m proud that we’ve built an informative and entertaining site. We cover the latest tech news but do a lot of long-form reporting and analysis. We’re also known for our strong writing and design.

Question: What are some of the biggest challenges facing technology journalism today?

Nilay: One of the biggest challenges is the speed of the industry. Technology is constantly changing, and keeping up can take much work. Another challenge is the rise of social media. Social media has made it easier for people to get their news from various sources, and it’s made it harder for traditional media outlets like The Verge to stand out.

Question: What do you think the future of technology journalism looks like?

Nilay: The future of technology journalism is bright. There’s still a lot of demand for well-written, in-depth technology coverage. Technology journalism will continue to evolve as the industry changes. We must find new ways to tell stories and engage our audience.

Question: What advice would you give to aspiring technology journalists?

Nilay: My advice would be to be passionate about technology. If you’re passionate about it, it will be easier to succeed in this field. It would be best if you also were good at writing and reporting. You need to be able to tell stories clearly and concisely.

Question: Thanks for your time, Nilay. I appreciate it.

Nilay: You’re welcome.