Rory Cellan-Jones is a former Technology Correspondent for the BBC, where he spent 40 years reporting on banking scandals, business institutions, and the evolution of internet companies. He analysed the impact of technology on society, making complex topics accessible through various media platforms.
Rory joined the BBC in 1981 as a researcher on Look North, later moving to London to work in the newsroom and on Newsnight. His first on-screen role was as a reporter for Wales Today, followed by Breakfast Time. He transitioned to business coverage, contributing to BBC TV and radio programmes such as The Money Programme, Newsnight, and the Today Programme. In 2000, he became the BBC Internet Correspondent, but after the dot-com crash, he returned to his role as Business and Industry Correspondent. In 2007, he was appointed Technology Correspondent, focusing on the Internet's influence on business and society. He also presented Tech Tent on BBC World Service and maintained a blog called dot.Rory.
Rory authored several books, including dot.bomb: The Rise & Fall of Dot.Com Britain, which examines the internet stock market crash of 2000. His 2012 audiobook, The Secret History of Social Networking, explores the origins of social media, while his latest work, Always On: Hope and Fear in the Social Smartphone Era, discusses the effects of hyperconnectivity on society.
In May 2022, Rory received an honorary degree from the University of York for his contributions to society and was made an Honorary Fellow of The National Museum of Computing. He was also shortlisted for the Internet Service Providers Association Internet Hero award and was voted Gadget Personality of the Year by T3 magazine in 2013.
Rory lives in West Ealing with his wife and two sons. In May 2021, he announced his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, stating he was receiving good treatment and managing the symptoms.
An engaging discussion on the intersections of politics, economics, and communication. Explore how these fields influence one another and shape societal outcomes. Attendees will gain insights into the complexities of political discourse, the impact of economic policies, and the role of effective communication in driving change. This conversation promises to deepen understanding and inspire new perspectives on these critical issues.
