Ben Hammersley is a British consultant, broadcaster, and systems developer known for his work in journalism, technology, and futurism. He started his career as a journalist in 1998, becoming The Times' first reporter focused on internet technology. He combined journalism with technical skills, particularly in web technologies like RSS, which he discussed in two books. He coined the term "podcasting" in a 2004 article for The Guardian, which was later recognized as Word of the Year by the New Oxford American Dictionary in 2005. As a pioneer in multimedia reporting, Ben covered conflicts in Afghanistan for The Guardian in 2006 and reported on the Turkish election for the BBC in 2007, using advanced video technology. He also developed systems for The Guardian's blogs, including the award-winning Comment is Free. His BBC work includes a series on cybercrimes and the programme Futureproof Yourself on BBC Radio 4. Ben served as Associate Editor and Editor-at-Large for the UK edition of Wired magazine, deepening his understanding of technology's impact on society. As a futurist, he helps audiences grasp the modern world, focusing on the Internet and technological changes. He is the principal of Onwards, Friend, and an Innovator in Residence at Goldsmiths, University of London. His roles include non-executive director of Digital Jersey Ltd. and Fellow at The Brookings Institute. He has written five books, including "64 Things You Need to Know Now for Then," and contributes to international media like The Financial Times. Ben's extensive experience and current roles highlight his influence in shaping the future of technology and media.
