Lucy Hedges is a prominent figure in the world of technology, journalism, and broadcast media. As the former Metro Tech Editor, presenter for the BBC Travel Show and BBC’s The One Show, and Home Tech Columnist for House Beautiful Magazine, Lucy has established herself as a respected voice in the tech industry. Known for her engaging personality and deep knowledge of gadgets, the latest innovations in tech and emerging technologies, she has become a familiar face in the UK and international tech scene, as well as on national television.

In this interview, Lucy shares her compelling insights into the future of tech journalism, exploring the challenges and opportunities brought by emerging technologies like AI and blockchain. Her perspectives on staying relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape offer invaluable guidance for aspiring journalists and tech enthusiasts.

• How did you discover your passion for technology and journalism?

From a young age, I’ve always dreamed of being a writer. I was the kid with my head buried in books and constantly crafting short stories. After university, I took a chance at an opportunity with lifestyle magazine, EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Academy), where I worked for £5 a day, which barely covered my travel, but I was determined to get my foot in the door as a journalist and gain the experience I needed to move forward with a career in this field. During this time, I learned the digital and journalistic skills that continue to serve me well today. 

Around the same time, I also had the chance to work part-time with an established journalist who regularly wrote for national newsapers like the Daily star, the Sun and the Daily Mail. His mentorship helped me secure a foothold in the industry, as well as contribute to his project, toyology.co.uk, writing about the latest battery-operated toys and robots. With this growing experience, I landed my first formal role as an editorial assistant at Shiny Shiny, marking the start of my journey into technology journalism.

• What are some of the significant milestones and turning points in your journey?

A significant leap came when I joined Stuff magazine as their multimedia editor after Shiny Shiny, expanding my expertise and industry recognition, managing other journalists on the team, and creating a much-watched video section showcasing the latest gadget reviews and news. The pinnacle of my journey at this point was perhaps the surreal experience of appearing on national television as the resident gadget expert on BBC Two’s Something for the Weekend, amongst several others, bringing tech discussions and my tech-savvy insights to millions of viewers and into living rooms across the country. Suddenly, I found myself not just writing about technology, but becoming the voice of tech for a massive audience, which included a weekly segment on BBC 6 Music with Lauren Laverne, to delve into the latest in technology, gadgets and news in order to offer a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving world of tech, blending informative commentary with lively discussion.

It was an unexpected setback—being made redundant at Stuff magazine —that ultimately pushed me to new heights, though. This challenge led to what I consider a career-defining moment: becoming the technology editor at Metro for an audience of 3.4 million readers – a role that I remained in for eight years, until I was unfortunately made redundant.

As a self-confessed side hustler, I have continued to present videos, host podcasts for the likes of Canon and Unilever, and step onto stages to present at major tech conferences all over the world for some of the biggest brands, including Google, Adobe, Sony, Samsung, LG, intel, Polestar, Shutterstock, Curry’s and Ernst & Young, while feeling the rush of engaging directly with industry leaders and enthusiasts alike. Most recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lewis Hamilton on behalf of IWC Schaffhausen to  talk all things watches and Formula 1. 

Each new role – presenter, host, TV personality – has added a new dimension to my professional identity, allowing me to connect with audiences in ways I never imagined. It’s been a journey of constant reinvention, pushing me out of my comfort zone and into the spotlight of the tech world.

• With the rise of new media formats, how do you innovate storytelling techniques to keep your audience engaged and informed?

With the diverse array of new media formats available today, I continuously innovate my storytelling techniques to engage and inform my audience effectively. The shift away from a one-size-fits-all approach means that journalism can now be tailored to various platforms, each with its unique strengths and targeted audiences. 

In technology journalism, where topics quickly become overwhelming or tedious, I focus on distilling complex subjects into clear, engaging formats. I break down long, detailed paragraphs of information into engaging, digestible formats, whether through written articles, videos, or live presentations. I also leverage social media to promote content and interact with readers and audiences, address their questions, and provide extra insights, making technology accessible and intriguing for an ever broader audience.

• How do you manage the demands of a high-profile career while maintaining a work-life balance, especially in such a fast-paced industry?

Balancing a high-profile career with my personal life in this fast-paced industry is a constant challenge, but I’ve found it’s absolutely crucial for long-term success and well-being. I make a conscious effort to carve out quality time with friends and family, often over dinner, drinks and trips abroad. I’m fortunate to have people in my life who are equally ambitious and driven, and their support has been a significant source of positive reinforcement, pushing me to strive for more in my career.

Travel is another key component of my balance strategy. I prioritize getting out of the UK as much as possible, whether it’s a weekend city break or a longer adventure. These experiences often spark creativity and ideas that benefit my career in unexpected ways. I’m also a firm believer in the importance of physical health, which is why I’ve adopted what I playfully call my “gym followed by gin” approach. It’s about striking that sweet spot between staying active and allowing time for relaxation and enjoyment.

• What do you believe are the key trends and challenges that tech journalists will face in the next five years, and how can they stay relevant in an ever-evolving landscape?

In the coming years, tech journalists will face the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI and machine learning, Extended Reality (XR), cybersecurity, blockchain, automotive and sustainable tech. Maintaining expertise across a broad array of technologies will be crucial, necessitating continuous self-education and specialization, while retaining a comprehensive understanding of the tech landscape.

The convergence of technology within sectors like healthcare, IoT, finance, and environmental science will require journalists to develop interdisciplinary knowledge to cover these intersections effectively. Additionally, while AI presents opportunities in content creation, journalists must balance leveraging these tools, while emphasizing the irreplaceable human elements of storytelling and analysis.

With the rise of misinformation, tech journalists will play a vital role in fact-checking and providing reliable information about emerging technologies and their impacts. To remain relevant, journalists should hone strong analytical skills, embrace a curious and adaptable mindset, and cultivate a distinctive and trustworthy voice that stands out amidst the deluge of tech news.