Walt Mossberg
Born 1947 · Age 78
American technology journalist, longtime Wall Street Journal Personal Technology columnist, co‑founder of AllThingsD and Recode, moderator/producer of major tech conferences, retired 2017.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Warwick, Rhode Island
Walter S. Mossberg was born in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Graduated Pilgrim High School (approx.)
Native of Warwick; graduate of Pilgrim High School (exact graduation year not specified in sources; estimated age 18).
Graduated Brandeis University (Class of '69)
Attended Brandeis University; cited as alumnus class of 1969.
Enrolled Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (approx.)
Attended Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism after Brandeis (exact enrollment/graduation year not specified in every source; timing consistent with 1969–1970).
Joined The Wall Street Journal as reporter/editor
Began long career at The Wall Street Journal; worked as reporter and editor from 1970 onward.
Assigned to WSJ Washington bureau; long stint covering national/international affairs
Became a member of the Journal's Washington, D.C. office and spent 18 years covering national and international affairs before switching focus to technology.
Launched 'Personal Technology' column at The Wall Street Journal
Inaugural Personal Technology column appeared in 1991; opening line: 'Personal computers are just too hard to use, and it isn't your fault.' Column ran weekly (Thursdays) from 1991 through 2013.
Shifted from Washington beats to technology reporting
Stopped covering the State Department and other Washington beats and focused on consumer technology and product reviews.
Began producing D/AllThingsD conferences with Kara Swisher (per some accounts)
Sources in the provided text reference the founding/partnership with Kara Swisher on AllThingsD-related activities beginning in the late 1990s (some sources give varying start years).
Received Gerald Loeb Award for Commentary (first technology writer to win)
Became the first technology writer to win the prestigious Gerald Loeb Award for Commentary.
Received World Technology Award (Media & Journalism) and honorary doctorate
Won the World Technology Award for Media and Journalism and received an honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Rhode Island.
First D: All Things Digital conference (conference-only business launched)
AllThingsD began as a conference-only business; first D conference took place in 2003 (per provided Vox/Recode text), produced by Mossberg and Kara Swisher.
Profiled by Wired as 'The Kingmaker'
Wired published a lengthy profile calling him 'The Kingmaker', noting his influence on product success.
Profiled in The New Yorker ('Everyone Listens to Walter Mossberg')
A 2007 New Yorker profile espoused his outsized influence in technology coverage.
Launched AllThingsD website
Mossberg and Swisher launched the AllThingsD website to extend the conference brand year-round (site went live in late April 2007).
Historic onstage interview with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates
On May 30, 2007 Mossberg and Kara Swisher conducted an unrehearsed, joint onstage interview with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates at the D conference.
One of four journalists with advance access to first iPhone for review
The month after the Jobs/Gates interview he was among only four journalists given advance access to the first iPhone for review.
Dow Jones announced Mossberg to leave WSJ (AllThingsD breakup)
Dow Jones announced on Sept 19, 2013 that, as part of a breakup with AllThingsD, Mossberg would leave The Wall Street Journal by the end of the year.
Left The Wall Street Journal (end of 2013)
Concluded a WSJ career that began in 1970; Personal Technology column ran 1991–2013.
Helped relaunch conference concept as 'Code Conference' under Recode
AllThingsD conference concept continued under the 'Code Conference' brand produced by Mossberg and Swisher (Recode-era continuation of D conference).
Launched Recode with Kara Swisher
On January 2, 2014 Mossberg and Swisher launched Recode, a new independent technology news site and media brand, bringing many reporters from AllThingsD.
Became Executive Editor at The Verge and Editor‑at‑Large of Recode
Following the Vox acquisition, Mossberg served from 2015–2017 as Executive Editor of The Verge and Editor‑at‑Large of Recode, writing weekly columns and hosting a podcast.
Hosted weekly podcast 'Ctrl‑Walt‑Delete' (Recode/The Verge era)
During the Vox/Recode period Mossberg wrote weekly columns for both sites and hosted a weekly podcast titled 'Ctrl‑Walt‑Delete'.
Recode acquired by Vox Media (all-stock deal)
In May 2015 Vox Media acquired Recode in an all-stock transaction; Mossberg and Swisher and staff joined Vox's publishing group.
Public reflections on AllThingsD/Recode and Code conference (interviews/pieces)
Participated in interviews and retrospectives (e.g., Recode/Vox previews) reflecting on AllThingsD, Recode relaunch and the Code conference's evolution.
Regular TV & media appearances (CNBC, Charlie Rose, NPR) — decades
Throughout his career Mossberg appeared weekly on CNBC, in web videos, and repeatedly as a guest on Charlie Rose and other programs (notable ongoing media presence during WSJ and Recode years).
Received Gerald Loeb Award Lifetime Achievement
In 2017 Mossberg was honored with the Gerald Loeb Award's Lifetime Achievement award.
Announced planned retirement
On April 7, 2017 Mossberg announced his intention to retire from regular writing and podcasting in June/July 2017.
Published final column for Recode/The Verge ('Mossberg: The Disappearing Computer')
Final regular column published May 25, 2017 marking the end of his weekly technology column career.
Final Code Conference (May 30 – June 1, 2017)
His final Code Conference appearance/production spanned May 30–June 1, 2017.
Retirement podcast performed live in New York
Performed a retirement podcast live in New York City on June 9, 2017.
Official retirement
Mossberg formally retired in July 2017 after a multi‑decade journalism career.
Listed as trustee/former trustee and institution roles (Brandeis etc.)
Referenced in sources as a former trustee of Brandeis University and held honorary academic recognition; timing spans his career.
Profile/feature pieces and interviews reflecting legacy
Continued to be the subject of profiles and interviews reflecting on his career and influence in tech journalism (e.g., Brandeis magazine Q&A in 2019).
Board role: The News Literacy Project (ongoing board membership referenced)
Mossberg is noted as serving on the board of The News Literacy Project (exact appointment date not specified in provided sources).
Continued public speaking and podcast appearances post‑retirement
Post‑retirement appearances (podcasts, interviews) continue; e.g., podcast interviews archived and released (various dates).
Key Achievement Ages
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