Media Moves: Tech Journalism Expansion and Editorial Leadership Changes - May 13, 2026

Heather Kelly, a veteran technology reporter at The Washington Post's San Francisco bureau, has joined The San Francisco Standard as Technology Editor. Kelly brings more than two decades of experience covering how technology impacts everyday life, with particular expertise in personal tech, privacy, children and screens, seniors, and social media. She joins a team that includes her former Post colleague CEO Donovan, strengthening the outlet's tech coverage.

NBC News hired Jane Lytvynenko as a senior technology reporter based in New York. Lytvynenko specializes in covering the intersection of technology and conflict, bringing a unique lens to tech industry stories. Her beat includes how technology impacts geopolitical tensions, disinformation, and security issues - making her particularly relevant for cybersecurity and critical infrastructure stories.

Kelly Jackson Higgins continues her role as Cybersecurity Editor at Dark Reading, one of the most influential cybersecurity trade publications. With decades of experience covering enterprise security, threat intelligence, and incident response, Higgins is a critical contact for cybersecurity vendors, researchers, and service providers. Her editorial leadership shapes coverage priorities for security professionals across the industry.

Kevin Beaumont, a respected independent security researcher and journalist, has advanced to a leadership position in threat intelligence at Microsoft. Beaumont brings a unique perspective as both a practitioner and communicator, known for detailed technical analysis and clear explanations of complex security issues. His move to Microsoft signals the company's commitment to transparent threat intelligence and industry collaboration.

BBC Announces Major Restructuring with 1,800-2,000 Job Cuts

The BBC announced on April 15 that it will cut between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs - approximately one in ten staff members - in its largest downsizing in 15 years. The cuts are part of a £600 million cost-reduction plan over three years to address declining license fee income. Interim Director-General Rhodri Talfan Davies will lead the restructuring until former Google executive Matt Brittin takes over on May 18, 2026. All areas of BBC News are expected to be affected.

Why Now

These moves reflect a broader trend: major news outlets are strategically investing in technology coverage while simultaneously restructuring operations. Broadcast networks (NBC) are expanding tech beats, regional outlets (SF Standard) are strengthening tech journalism, and international broadcasters (BBC) are undergoing significant reorganization. This creates both opportunities and challenges for PR professionals - new reporters to build relationships with, but also uncertainty as organizations restructure.

Next Step

Update your media lists immediately with these new contacts and positions. Prioritize relationship-building with Kelly, Lytvynenko, and other tech reporters at major outlets. Monitor the BBC's restructuring for new editorial leadership and coverage priorities. As Matt Brittin takes over at the BBC, watch for signals about how the organization will approach technology coverage going forward.