WIRED Magazine

History and Background of WIRED Magazine

Founding and Early History

WIRED magazine was launched in January 1993 by Louis Rossetto and Jane Metcalfe, who envisioned a publication that explored the intersection of technology, culture, and business. Inspired by the digital revolution and the rise of the internet, WIRED became known for its bold, futuristic design and coverage of emerging technologies. Based in San Francisco, it quickly became a cultural touchstone for the tech industry, coining terms like "the Long Tail" and "crowdsourcing."

Ownership History

• Wired Ventures (1993–1998): The magazine initially operated under Rossetto and Metcalfe’s company, Wired Ventures, which expanded into online platforms (HotWired) and a short-lived TV venture. Financial struggles led to the sale of WIRED to Condé Nast in 1998 for an estimated $80 million.
• Condé Nast Era (1998–Present): Under Condé Nast, WIRED stabilized and expanded its digital presence. Condé Nast itself is a subsidiary of Advance Publications, controlled by the Newhouse family.

Key Figures

• Founders: Louis Rossetto (CEO) and Jane Metcalfe (President) spearheaded the magazine’s launch.
• Editors-in-Chief:
  • Kevin Kelly (1993–1999): Founding executive editor, later known for The Whole Earth Catalog and tech philosophy.
  • Chris Anderson (2001–2012): Popularized concepts like "The Long Tail" and oversaw WIRED’s digital transition.
  • Scott Dadich (2013–2016): Focused on design innovation.
  • Nicholas Thompson (2017–2020): Expanded investigative journalism; later moved to The Atlantic.
  • Current Leadership (2023): Gideon Lichfield (Global Editorial Director) oversees content, with global editions in the UK, Japan, and other regions.

Notable Contributors

• Steven Levy: Longtime tech journalist and author of Hackers.
• Jonah Lehrer: Contributed neuroscience coverage before a plagiarism scandal.
• Jesse Singal and Lauren Goode: Prominent contemporary writers on tech and culture.

Content and Impact

WIRED is renowned for its in-depth reporting on technology’s societal impact, featuring iconic covers (e.g., Jeff Bezos in 1999 predicting e-commerce). It expanded into digital platforms (WIRED.com), podcasts (Gadget Lab), and events (WIRED Business Conference, WIRED25).

Current Status

• Ownership: Owned by Condé Nast/Advance Publications.
• Global Reach: Editions in the UK, Japan, Italy, and beyond.
• Digital Focus: Prioritizes online content, video, and subscription models (e.g., WIRED Paywall).

Controversies

• Early financial instability and layoffs post-IPO failure.
• Criticism over optimistic tech coverage (e.g., dot-com bubble).
• Ethical debates, such as a 2013 stunt involving a reporter’s Tesla test drive.

Legacy

WIRED remains a pivotal voice in tech journalism, adapting to digital trends while maintaining its print edition. Its blend of cultural analysis and tech foresight continues to influence media and industry leaders.