Remembering IDG's Pat McGovern: A Life that Reflects the Evolution of Technology and the Media

Given my background in tech PR, there's a distinct focus on technology in this Communications Watch blog, and there was sad news yesterday that bridges these two worlds: the passing of IDG founder Pat McGovern. Pat started a computer publishing, research and community-building empire more than 50 years ago, and since then, anyone who has touched the technology industry became familiar with publications like Computerworld, Network World and PC World; the analyst firm IDC; and conferences like SNW -- all part of the IDG empire.  The history of Pat McGovern's IDG is a reflection of the ebbs and flows of the computer industry and the evolution of the media.  His publications blossomed during the computer heyday, his analyst firm expanded its focus to address technology's broadening reach, and the rise of his IT conferences reflected new ways to address the needs of the tech community.  And through it all, tech PR and communication people like me watched and worked with these IDG properties. I was not only one of these folks -- I was fortunate to have an opportunity to have IDG as a PR client for several years.  But for anyone who was or is a follower of, or participant in, today's world of technology owes a debt to a man who did more to provide us insights into this industry than any other I can recall.  Thanks Pat McGovern.

Reflections on the Media...and a Media "Star"

I just saw this obit, and it reminded me that I've seen Bob Thomas' byline on AP Hollywood news stories over the years. I bet most of us have, since he holds the record for most consecutive Oscar shows covered by an entertainment reporter (66 -- from 1944-2010).  He also was in the Ambassador Hotel in 1968 when Robert Kennedy was shot, and he delivered this bulletin to the AP.   We hear a lot about the sad state of the media, and one wonders if we'll ever see reporter with longevity of Bob Thomas given the increasing influence of social media citizen journalists.  Perhaps not, but as a former reporter myself, and as a PR person who values the role  plays the media in the news we're charged with delivering, I hope there is always a place for professional reporters -- even if they're not around for six decades.

SXWS Shows Us: "We're All Technies" (and that's good news for tech PR and comms)

In recent years, SXSW has cemented its position as a leading spotlight for the intersection of technology and entertainment.  The 2014 conference -- taking place this week -- is no exception, with a focus that ranges from the debate over bitcoin and crypto-currency to panel discussions featuring the likes of TV's Mindy Kaling.  We've seen tech start-ups and sports superstars, representatives from major corporations and visitors from nations like New Zealand and Chili.  There is a message across all this -- one captured in a Wall Street Journal "Reporter's Journal" piece today entitled "We're All Techies".  It reinforces a point we've seen coming for years: how technology is becoming increasingly mainstream.  This article points out that few industries or parts of our personal lives go untouched at SXSW, a fact that highlights that tech is clearly at the center of the new economy.  As someone who early on decided to focus his communications career on technology, that's good news.   Technology PR is so much more interesting today than years ago, thanks to tech's increasing reach.  More important, it's also good news for all of us who reap the benefits of technology every day -- in how we communicate with and interact with others, in how we work, in how we protect ourselves and loved ones, in  how we play....and on and on. Because truly, we are all techies today.