April 4, 2024
Washington, DC — Omidyar Network is proud to announce that Brian Merchant, esteemed writer, reporter, and author, will be joining its Reporters in Residence program. This initiative, aimed at supporting ambitious journalism, will provide Merchant with a platform to continue his groundbreaking work in investigative journalism and technology.
Merchant has garnered widespread acclaim for his incisive coverage of topics ranging from artificial intelligence to Silicon Valley culture, labor issues, and power dynamics. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to uncovering the truth, Merchant has established himself as a leading voice in contemporary journalism.
As part of the Reporters in Residence program, Merchant will have access to resources and support to further amplify his impact and reach. Through investigative reporting and in-depth analysis, he will continue to shed light on crucial issues shaping our society, technology, and the economy.
The goal of the Reporters in Residence program is to enable a group of freelance journalists to devote more time to the type of deep, nuanced reporting that drives national conversations and informs policy debates. Merchant joins Helaine Olen, Walter Frick, and s.e. smith as current members of the program.
Merchant is the author of several highly acclaimed books, including “Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech” and the national bestseller “The One Device: The Secret History of the iPhone.” His deep dives into the intricate workings of technology and its societal implications have captivated readers around the world.
Throughout his career, Merchant has held prominent positions at esteemed publications such as the Los Angeles Times and Motherboard, where he served as a tech columnist and senior editor, respectively. Additionally, he is the founder of Automaton, an investigative platform focused on AI and its impact on the workforce, as well as the co-founder of Terraform, VICE’s speculative fiction platform.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brian Merchant to the Reporters in Residence program,” said Beth Kanter, chief advocacy and strategic communications officer at Omidyar Network. “His dedication to uncovering the truth and his commitment to journalistic integrity make him an ideal candidate for this initiative. We look forward to supporting his continued efforts to shed light on pressing issues in today’s rapidly evolving world.”
Merchant’s work has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, WIRED, Harper’s Magazine, and The Washington Post, among others. His fearless pursuit of stories that matter has earned him accolades and recognition from peers and readers alike.
Applications for the next cohort of Reporters in Residence will open April 15.
