At 60, Computer Weekly still has the knack of throwing unexpected twists into the tech world.
One of the most notable stories from the publication’s extensive six-decade archive is the tale of an award-winning tech journalist who also happened to be a ZX81 expert and a frisbee-throwing enthusiast. The journalist, Bill Thompson, was known for his unique blend of technical expertise and irreverent humor.
Thompson’s career was marked by a string of scoops and a penchant for exploring the intersection of technology and society. He was one of the first journalists to recognize the potential of the ZX81, a low-cost home computer that was released in the UK in 1981. At the time, the ZX81 was seen as a toy, but Thompson saw its potential as a tool for democratizing access to technology.
A New Era for Tech Journalism
Thompson’s work on the ZX81 helped to spark a national conversation about the role of technology in British society. His reporting also highlighted the challenges of making technology accessible to a wider audience, a theme that remains relevant today.
Thompson’s frisbee-throwing skills, meanwhile, added a touch of whimsy to his reporting. He was known to throw frisbees during live TV interviews, often to illustrate the connection between technology and creativity.
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, Thompson’s legacy lives on through the work of computer Weekly’s journalists, who continue to push the boundaries of tech reporting. The publication’s 60-year milestone is a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of exploring the intersection of technology and society.
What this means: The story of Computer Weekly’s 60-year history serves as a reminder that the best tech journalism is often about more than just reporting on the latest gadgets and trends – it’s about exploring the human impact of technology and uncovering stories that challenge our assumptions about the world.
