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Most of you will recognize Daniel Sieberg as a Technology Correspondent from CNN Headline News. Whether it is “Hotwired”, “Big Game Hunting” or just out in the field covering events like Comdex, you can see Daniel five days a week heading up the technology news for the millions of people who tune in to CNN.

Something most people may not realize about the folks at CNN is that, not only are they the best at what they do, they are also regular people just like you and me. For some reason we put newscasters in the same category as other T.V. personalities, and we forget that they like to do the same things all of us do.

The general public likes to get their news from people we can identify with, people we trust, and most of all, people we like. Oddly enough, the same “millions of people” that trust their news to CNN every single day, know little…if anything about the people that bring them the news.

Despite being a “celebrity”, Daniel Sieberg is the kinda guy you just really like to hang out with. The kinda guy that you can swap e-mail with daily and just laugh it up about regular ol' stuff, like you do one of your best friends. Trust me, no one else is awake in my time zone when I start working every morning and I spend a lot of time each week bugging Daniel, and he has never complained as long as I have known him.

Most of all, I think what makes Daniel cool, is the fact that at the same time you guys are sitting here reading [H]ardOCP as part of your daily grind, there is a very good chance that Daniel is also reading the page…as part of his daily grind. Now how cool is that?

First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to let me pick your brain.


My pleasure! All I ask is that you leave a little behind.




For the people that might not know, who are you and what do you do?


Well, I'm currently the Technology Correspondent for CNN and CNN Headline News. In my previous incarnation at CNN, I was also the Science & Technology Editor for CNN.com. I've covered technology for one medium or another for about five years, both in the U.S. and in Canada.




What exactly does a "technology correspondent" do?


I wish I could say that all I do is play with gadgets and games all day, but it's actually a lot more involved than that. I need to stay on top of a wide range of technological issues, ranging from Apple to Zulu. Due to the 24/7 nature of CNN, I need to be ready to comment on tech news at a moment's notice. Of course, I also get some time to test out the latest in hardware and software, and I try to read as much as I can




I would assume that means long hours, what is a typical workday like?


It can mean long hours, but it's a subject that's close to my heart, so I don't mind. I start at about 5:30 a.m. each weekday morning with Headline News. It's a lively program, so we often incorporate interviews, gadget demonstrations and fun stuff. When that show is over at 9 a.m., I then trundle off to CNN where I may have several live shots for the network, write a TV package, plus plan the next day's Headlines coverage. It's an ongoing cycle that helps me stay informed and prepared.




If I remember correctly, you too were once a writer for an online publication, Salon.com to be exact, do you enjoy live news as opposed to writing for online publications?


That's right! I wrote a few articles for Salon.com, and one in particular received a lot of follow-up press. It involved how my home computer was hacked while I was surfing porn Web sites for a graduate research project, Really! Feel free to check it out here. Beyond Salon.com, I helped found the Thunderbird in 1998, the online magazine for the journalism school I attended.

My career started in print, and it's given me an excellent foundation. I was a writer for several magazines and weekly papers for about five years before I worked at The Vancouver Sun in 1999/2000 as a daily reporter. Let me tell you, being a city reporter for a daily publication is hard work. Deadlines and cranky editors aside, it forces you to hone your writing skills to an art form in a big hurry. And you learn how to become an "instant expert" on a particular subject.

Live news can be similar that way, since you often need to be well versed on short notice. The nature of print allows reporters to include more detail, but TV allows for a more visual and dynamic presentation. It's a trade-off. The crucial part of each medium is being able to take what could be a fairly esoteric story and make it accessible and interesting to a larger audience. That's the job of every journalist.

They both have an adrenaline rush, but with live news it's also about how you look. At the newspaper I could show up in whatever I wore the night before and bags under my eyes. I don't think our viewers would appreciate that.




Your broadcast career actually started at CTV in Vancouver, British Columbia, what did you do at CTV?


I began at CTV as an intern, working for a seasoned Canadian journalist named Robert Mason Lee. He was a real mentor for me, and I eventually worked my way up to being an associate producer. One of the other shows on CTV noticed the fact that I enjoyed technology news and video games, and they asked me if I'd do a regular review segment. Aside from the dozens of amateur films that I made with my friends, that was my first official TV gig.

In February, the female Larry King of CTV (Vicki Gabereau) invited me on her show as a guest, so I really felt like I'd come full circle there. Quite flattering, especially since I used to sneak down from internship job and watch her show as an audience member!




What prompted the move to CNN?


It was a combination of events. My Salon.com article about being hacked was noticed by the CNN.com Technology Editor, who also happened to be on his way to work for the Associated Press. Over the course of several months - and many phone/live interviews - I managed to land his old job. It was a natural transition for me, since I was working for The Vancouver Sun at the time, writing city news and technology stories.

My Canadian-isms still creep out every so often, like when I say "YEAH-hoo" instead of "YAW-hoo" or "oot" and "aboot." And CNN has been invaluable with helping me achieve my immigration status. Very handy, eh?




Do you still get nervous in front of the camera? Does that ever really go away?


I always get a few butterflies, but I think that's a good thing. Being nervous usually means you really care about what you're doing and want to do a good job. As long as it just gives you an edge and doesn't interfere with your reporting, then it's OK. It's gotten more manageable over the years, but I hope it never goes away entirely.




For every person you see "ON Camera", how many people are there behind the scenes making sure the morning segments run smoothly?


I'm glad you asked that question because it's easy to forget that many people work tirelessly behind the scenes in TV to ensure everything comes off without a hitch. CNN and Headline News are no different. Shift work goes around the clock, but during the morning show there are probably a few dozen people producing, writing, working cameras and generally making us on-air people look good. It's a teamwork approach. (They also have the power to make me go out of focus or mute my mic.)




CNN is easily the most popular news program on the planet, being in so many homes everyday, are you often approached in public and / or recognized by viewers?


You know, I think that since CNN puts the news ahead of everything else, viewers are often more focused on what's being said than by who says it. That said, people outside of the network do occasionally recognize me. But since I live in Atlanta, there may be regular viewers in other cities who I simply don't encounter. However, once I take off my glasses and tie and put on my casual clothes, I blend in pretty well. Kind of a Clark Kent thing, I guess. Speaking of which, I need to find a phone booth.

"BEFORE"


"AFTER"

You work with undoubtedly one of the most beautiful women on T.V., Robin Meade, who has several fan-made websites dedicated to her....is there a Daniel Sieberg website?

I think one of them is called "Can't Get Enough of Robin Meade." I know she finds them flattering, but I can assure people that Robin is also a dedicated journalist as well. She can think on her feet and shift gears in the middle of any breaking story. Needless to say, not an easy feat that early in the morning! I think she's also one of the most engaging interviewers in the business.

I'm not aware of any Daniel Sieberg Web sites...but it's pretty amazing (and scary) what a little "ego surfing" will pull up. Come on! We've all done it!




Speaking of Robin Meade, you guys on the morning show seem to genuinely be having a good time working together, what is the key to the great chemistry?


We really do! The morning show is a lively bunch, and we aim to help people start their day with a boost of energy. Robin is very down-to-earth, and she enjoys bringing out the best in people.

Perhaps the secret is that we try to make our interview segments like a well-informed conversation between two friends. Familiar, but not too casual. And full of as many tech tidbits as we can squeeze in.




Enough about work, what does Daniel Sieberg do to relax...assuming you have enough free time for relaxation?


(Checking dictionary for meaning of "relaxation...)

Ah, yes. Now I understand your question.

Seriously, I enjoy a great many activities. Video games, long-distance running, soccer, hockey (playing and watching), curling (Canadian heritage again), reading, sci-fi, watching TV, movies, napping, traveling, chess, music, writing and any cool gadget I can get my hands on. My girlfriend and I have also recently become the proud owners of a Beagle puppy, who's definitely a handful. Almost two handfuls now. I never have trouble filling my spare time. I just wish there were more hours in a day. Something I know you can relate to, Steve!




O.K., so you are a fan / reader of Hard|OCP & Hypothermia... what other sites do you regularly visit?


Indeed I am a fan/reader of Hard|OCP & Hypothermia. And I'm constantly impressed by the mods your readers make to their PCs and the depth of knowledge that's shared on the site. I have only minimal training as a programmer/tinkerer and I'm better at taking things apart than putting them together, but I can certainly appreciate all the work that goes into it. My dad is an electronics technician and I used to love playing with his soldering iron. Humble beginnings.

I also read Slashdot (religiously), Red Herring, Salon.com, The New York Times online, and plenty of competitor sites like MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. Always good to know what's happening with your professional colleagues.




You are on the forefront of the technology wave, what do you see as the biggest hurdle facing the tech industry today?


Without getting too philosophical, I think the biggest hurdle for the tech industry (financially speaking) is getting the public to embrace innovation again. The pace of development is so rapid that many laypeople's head spins when new products or advancements are announced. The Internet has also allowed people to research their purchases before buying them, too, making them more cautious and discriminating shoppers. And I think my computer and gadget collection is somewhat reflective of many people; they realize they can get by just fine without spending additional money. For some people, dial-up access is enough. Or they don't see the need for streaming video on a cell phone. And they don't play games like "Battlefield 1942" that require massive processing power. So they're content to stay where they are. I think we're in the "Goldilocks" era of technology: not too big, not too small - just right. Perhaps it will take "the next big thing," on par with the Internet itself. A delivery vehicle of sorts. Whatever that may be. (If I knew what that was, then I'd be investing in it.)




CNN Tech Correspondent today, where do you see yourself in 5yrs? 10?


Perhaps still as CNN's Tech Correspondent. I'm constantly learning and discovering new aspects about the technology field, and I'm lucky to work on a beat that is ever changing by its very nature. Journalism in general is a humbling profession. There will always be people who know more than a reporter. It's the job of the reporter to take that information and make it interesting and palatable. I relish that challenge. One way or another I'd like to remain as close to a cutting-edge journalist as I can. But since my immigration visa runs out in a few years, I may just be booted out of the country.




Through your work, I'm sure you have had the chance to meet many famous and influential people, if given the opportunity, who would you most like to spend a day with?


To be honest, my choice lies outside the tech industry. It's no secret among my friends that I'm a huge U2 fan, so I'd love to spend a day hanging out with Bono and the boys. I think I could die a happy man after that.



I appreciate you taking the time to let me pick your brain, I look forward to talking again soon.


Anytime! Everyone enjoys being able to talk about themselves - and without interruption to boot! In all seriousness, I thoroughly appreciate the opportunity. And I believe I do have a few brain cells left upstairs. Thanks for leaving those intact.