AP names new technology editor

From the Associated Press wire: “Matthew Fordahl, a San Jose, Calif.-based technology writer for The Associated Press since December 2000, has been appointed AP technology editor.

“Fordahl, working from AP’s headquarters in New York City, will oversee the global news agency’s coverage of technological innovation and its impact on business and society. He will direct a team of beat reporters that covers the Internet, telecommunications, consumer electronics and biotechnology.

“His appointment was announced Thursday by Business Editor Kevin Noblet.

“Fordahl replaces Frank Bajak, technology editor since 2000, who recently was named AP’s chief of Andean news in Bogota, Colombia.

“Fordahl, 36, joined AP as a general assignment reporter in Chicago in 1993 and also has been based in San Diego and Los Angeles, where he was a desk editor and, later, the science writer.

“Since 1998, he has been the webmaster for the Associated Press Television-Radio Association of California and Nevada. In 2005 he was one of three recipients of the Gramling Spirit Award, an AP prize for outstanding employees.

“Fordahl, who grew up in Livermore, Calif., holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a masters degree in public affairs reporting from Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois, Springfield). Fordahl and his wife, Vikki, have a 2-year-old son, Beckett.”